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.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, wash the asparagus and trim off the tough ends. Cut the asparagus spears into 1-2 inch pieces.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still crisp.

Step 5

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 more minute to combine the flavors.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(989.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1428.4

Total Fat 74.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.2g
Cholesterol 88.9mg	0%
Sodium 3018.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 134.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 12.6g
Protein 62.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1077.9mg	0%
Iron 16.1mg	0%
Potassium 1176.4mg	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: 46.0%

Protein: 17.2%

Carbs: 36.8%