The Best Asparagus Lemon Pasta
Bright, fresh, and irresistibly flavorful, The Best Asparagus Lemon Pasta is your ultimate springtime comfort dish. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed with tender-crisp asparagus and a zesty lemon garlic sauce that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. A generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese creates an irresistibly creamy finish, while optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat. Ready in just 25 minutes, this vegetarian recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Simple ingredients, bold flavors—this asparagus pasta will quickly become a star in your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb asparagus
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 pcs garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
While the pasta cooks, wash the asparagus and trim off the tough ends. Cut the asparagus spears into 1-2 inch pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves, minced, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still crisp.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 more minute to combine the flavors.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it with the asparagus mixture. If needed, gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to create a light sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
352 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.4 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2 g | 31% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 651 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.5 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 15.6 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 268 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 309 mg | 7% | |
*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.
