Brighten up your pasta night with this irresistible Fusilli with Lemon Cream Sauce, Asparagus, and Peas recipe! Featuring tender fusilli pasta tossed in a velvety lemon cream sauce, this dish combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the vibrant crunch of asparagus and sweet bursts of peas. A touch of garlic, melted Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley elevate the flavors to gourmet levels, while the creamy sauce clings to each twist of pasta for an indulgent bite. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, this 35-minute recipe is ideal for spring or any time you’re craving a light yet satisfying meal. Garnish with extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish and serve immediately for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus by trimming the tough ends and cutting the spears into 1-inch pieces.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the asparagus for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Add the peas and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated, creating a smooth sauce.
Return the cooked asparagus and peas to the skillet and toss to combine.
Add the drained fusilli to the skillet and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Calories |
551 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.3 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.3 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 852 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.3 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 17.3 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 271 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 370 mg | 8% | |
*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.