Pasta and Asparagus

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this quick and delicious Pasta and Asparagus recipe, a perfect blend of simplicity and vibrant flavors. Tender pasta is tossed with crisp asparagus sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil, creating a fresh and wholesome meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese and zesty lemon zest add a rich, tangy brightness, while optional red pepper flakes offer a hint of heat for those who crave it. This easy-to-make dish is a fantastic way to showcase seasonal asparagus and is ideal for everything from a cozy family dinner to a light yet satisfying lunch. With minimal prep and only one skillet for the sauce, this recipe is as convenient as it is flavorful. Serve it hot, garnished with extra parmesan, and watch it become a new household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Pasta
• 1 pound Asparagus
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, rinse the asparagus and trim the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 1-2 inch pieces.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the asparagus to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 5

Once the pasta is drained, stir it into the skillet with the asparagus. Toss to combine.

Step 6

Gradually add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest, mixing well. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or red pepper flakes, if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnishing each plate with additional parmesan cheese, if preferred.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(904.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1121.2

Total Fat 57.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 44.5mg	0%
Sodium 3030.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 114.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.5g	0%
Total Sugars 12.5g
Protein 42.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 619.1mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 1087.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.1%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 40.1%