pasta asparagus lemon recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pasta asparagus lemon recipe

I love pasta asparagus lemon recipe because it’s a simple yet flavorful dish that my family enjoys. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Easter Sunday.

The combination of tender asparagus, tangy lemon, and creamy pasta is a match made in heaven. My kids devour it in seconds, and I appreciate how easy it is to make in large quantities for a crowd.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly healthy – the asparagus provides a good dose of vitamins, while the lemon juice adds a burst of citrus flavor without adding any extra calories.

Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies without even realizing it! I’ve served this dish at countless family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always a hit.

Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal or a satisfying side dish, this pasta asparagus lemon recipe is sure to please. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste.

In fact, I like to add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor. All in all, this recipe is a staple in our household and one that I highly recommend.

Pasta with Asparagus and Lemon

4.8 from 1949 votes

A delightful pasta dish with tender asparagus and a zesty lemon sauce. This recipe combines the freshness of asparagus with the comforting texture of pasta.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

12 oz pasta
1 bunch asparagus
1 lemon
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt
pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions.
3While the pasta is cooking, trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut the spears into 2-inch pieces.
4Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6Add asparagus to the skillet, cook until tender and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
7Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
8Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
9Add the pasta to the skillet with the asparagus, toss to combine.
10If the pasta is too dry, add some reserved pasta water.
11Zest the lemon and add the zest to the skillet.
12Squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta and asparagus, toss well to combine.
13Season with salt and pepper to taste.
14Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and asparagus, toss gently to combine.
15Serve immediately, while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Skillet
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use any type of pasta for this recipe, but short shapes like penne or fusilli work best. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

This pasta asparagus lemon recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something healthy and delicious for your family. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it hot or cold, depending on your preference.

For hot service, simply reheat the cooked pasta mixture with some additional lemon juice until warmed through. For cold service, chill the mixture in an ice bath before refrigerating until serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta with Asparagus and Lemon

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

For this pasta asparagus lemon recipe, you can use any type of pasta you prefer – long noodles like spaghetti or linguine work well, but you can also use short shapes like penne or farfalle.

Q: Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

While fresh asparagus is always the best choice, frozen asparagus will still yield delicious results. Just thaw the frozen spears first before using them in the recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the asparagus from becoming too soggy?

To prevent the asparagus from becoming too soggy, make sure to cook it briefly before adding it to the pasta mixture. This will help preserve its crunchiness.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This pasta asparagus lemon recipe makes ahead perfectly – simply cook the pasta and asparagus mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving.

Q: What if I don’t have lemon juice on hand?

No problem! You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice or even orange juice if you prefer.

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