Pasta with Lemon Asparagus and Cheese
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy, this Pasta with Lemon Asparagus and Cheese is a spring-inspired dish that brings fresh, seasonal flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. Tender asparagus spears are sautéed with garlic, tossed with al dente pasta, and coated in a luscious blend of lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and a touch of butter for a silky finish. A sprinkle of lemon zest adds a citrusy zing, while freshly ground black pepper and optional parsley provide the perfect finishing touch. This easy, vegetarian pasta recipe is both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Best of all, it’s ready in less time than it takes to decide on takeout—your new go-to for a quick and satisfying meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 lb Asparagus
- 1 Lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus by trimming off the tough ends and cutting the spears into 1-inch pieces.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still vibrant green.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine with the asparagus.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss the mixture together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
555 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.6 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 51 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 1396 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.1 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 30.4 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 700 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 360 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.
