This Lemon Asparagus Pasta is light, zesty, and full of spring flavor. Tender asparagus, garlic, and fresh lemon are tossed with pasta and finished with Parmesan for a simple but elegant seasonal dish
- Dr. Ashli E. Linkhorn
- 9 hours ago
- 1 min read
Ingredients
* 12 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
* 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* Zest of 1 lemon
* Juice of ½–1 lemon (to taste)
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add asparagus and cook 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a light sauce.
7. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
8. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
