Lemony Asparagus Pasta
Lemony Asparagus Pasta is a bright and refreshing dish that perfectly balances the zesty flavors of fresh lemons with tender asparagus. This simple yet elegant meal is ideal for spring gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With each forkful, you’ll experience the delightful aroma of garlic and olive oil, transporting you straight to an Italian terrace. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this pasta dish will impress friends and family alike!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté asparagus for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Add minced garlic and lemon zest; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with lemon juice and reserved pasta water. Stir gently to combine.
- Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added protein, incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp. Substitute asparagus with seasonal vegetables like peas or zucchini. Experiment with herbs such as basil or dill for additional flavor.