Orange Asparagus Pasta
Brighten up your pasta night with this vibrant and zesty Orange Asparagus Pasta! This delightful dish combines tender penne with crisp asparagus and a creamy, citrus-infused sauce for a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting. Freshly squeezed orange juice and aromatic zest add a burst of citrus tang, perfectly balanced by rich Parmesan cheese and a touch of heavy cream. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this quick and easy vegetarian recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it warm and garnish with extra Parmesan and orange zest for a beautiful, restaurant-quality meal that will impress everyone at the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 count garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, wash and trim the tough ends off the asparagus. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender-crisp and bright green.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the orange juice, orange zest, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the Orange Asparagus Pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and orange zest if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1997 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.2 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.5 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 3072 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 285.4 g | 104% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.0 g | 86% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.9 g | ||
| Protein | 70.2 g | 140% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 590 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 22.8 mg | 127% | |
| Potassium | 1910 mg | 41% | |
*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.
