Name: Asparagus Pasta with Lemon & Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or linguine); 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper

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Introduction

This Asparagus Pasta with Lemon & Garlic is a bright and simple dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Fresh asparagus combined with zesty lemon and savory garlic creates a flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week.

A deep bowl filled with spaghetti pasta layered with bright green asparagus pieces and thin lemon slices on top, garnished with finely chopped fresh herbs and sprinkled with white grated cheese. The pasta looks glossy and lightly coated with oil, and the asparagus adds a fresh, crisp texture with its firm green tips. The lemon slices bring a pop of yellow color scattered among the spaghetti strands. The bowl is on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple look to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt, then the pasta, and cook according to package instructions.
Step 2: Three minutes before the pasta finishes cooking, add the chopped asparagus to the boiling water with the pasta.
Step 3: Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and asparagus and set aside.
Step 4: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, and let the mixture simmer briefly.
Step 6: Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
Step 7: Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, try adding a tablespoon of butter when mixing in the Parmesan cheese.
Swap out asparagus for green beans or broccoli if in season or preferred.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a brown bowl filled with spaghetti pasta, with several green asparagus spears and thin lemon slices spread on top. The pasta is coated lightly with a glossy sauce, with shredded white cheese sprinkled all over and some chopped green herbs adding texture and color contrast. The background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Yes, frozen asparagus can be used. Just thaw and drain well before adding it to the pasta to avoid excess water in the dish.

What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the light lemon-garlic sauce well, but feel free to use any long pasta you prefer.