Rigatoni and Asparagus
Brighten up your dinner table with this irresistible Rigatoni and Asparagus recipe—a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender rigatoni, vibrant asparagus, and a zesty garlic-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute meal combines the earthy crunch of fresh asparagus with the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. A splash of lemon zest adds a citrusy zing that elevates the flavors, while the reserved pasta water creates a silky sauce to coat every bite. Perfect for spring or any time you crave a light yet satisfying pasta dish, this recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine. Whether you're feeding the family or hosting guests, Rigatoni and Asparagus is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, rinse and trim the asparagus. Cut the asparagus stalks into 1-inch pieces.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn bright green.
Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
Stir in the lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to combine and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Rigatoni and Asparagus!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1268 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.9 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.2 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 3075 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.7 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.9 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.4 g | ||
| Protein | 47.1 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 607 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 14.5 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 1157 mg | 25% | |
*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.
