Easy Parmesan Pasta with Asparagus
Creamy, flavorful, and delightfully simple, this Easy Parmesan Pasta with Asparagus is the perfect weeknight dinner idea that comes together in just 30 minutes! Featuring tender strands of spaghetti or linguine, crisp asparagus, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce enhanced with garlic and lemon zest, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between freshness and indulgence. A splash of reserved pasta water ensures the sauce clings beautifully to each strand, while optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick for spice lovers. Whether you're looking for a satisfying vegetarian meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this pasta recipe, finished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, is a must-try. Keywords: Parmesan pasta, asparagus pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick vegetarian dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb Asparagus
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup Pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus by breaking off the tough ends and cutting the spears into 2-inch pieces.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still crisp.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the asparagus and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 135.8 g | 174% | |
| Saturated Fat | 69.0 g | 345% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 320 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 3815 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.0 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.7 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.5 g | ||
| Protein | 62.4 g | 125% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1040 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 13.5 mg | 75% | |
| Potassium | 1129 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
