Pasta with Asparagus

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant Pasta with Asparagus recipe, a perfect balance of simplicity and fresh flavors. Packed with tender, sautéed asparagus, fragrant garlic, and a zesty kick of lemon juice and zest, this dish offers a light yet satisfying meal in just 35 minutes. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes add layers of richness and spice, while a touch of reserved pasta water ensures a silky, restaurant-quality sauce. This one-pan wonder pairs beautifully with your choice of spaghetti, linguine, or penne, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Garnish with fresh parsley for a splash of color and enjoy this easy, spring-inspired pasta recipe that’s loaded with seasonal flavor and ready to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 500 grams Asparagus
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 units Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 50 grams Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus by trimming the tough ends. Cut the asparagus spears into 2-inch pieces.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5

Add the cooked asparagus back to the skillet. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley (if desired) and additional Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1044.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1340.1

Total Fat 61.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.2g
Cholesterol 50mg	0%
Sodium 3227.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 149.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 12.6g
Protein 55.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 731.8mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 1305.9mg	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: 40.3%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 43.6%