Description
Bright, zesty, and full of fresh flavor, this Asparagus Pasta with Lemon & Garlic is an easy recipe that turns a handful of simple ingredients into a quick dinner you will want to make again and again. Tender pasta, crisp asparagus, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan come together in a light yet comforting dish that fits perfectly into easy dinner, dinner ideas, food ideas, and quick homemade meals for busy days.
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine or linguine
1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the asparagus and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until bright green and just tender.
5. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat.
7. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the pasta looks glossy and lightly sauced.
8. Add the Parmesan and parsley, then toss again until evenly combined.
9. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a little more black pepper if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
Do not overcook the asparagus or it will lose its color and crisp texture.
Reserve pasta water before draining because it helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 32mg