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Fresh Lemon Asparagus Pasta Recipe Easy 30-Minute Parmesan Meal

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A quick and easy pasta dish combining fresh lemon, tender asparagus, and creamy Parmesan for a light yet indulgent meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound or 450 grams), trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti pasta
  • 2 medium lemons, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, a handful for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and trim the tough ends of the asparagus, then cut into 1-2 inch pieces (about 5 minutes).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Add asparagus pieces to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If pan gets dry, splash in some reserved pasta water.
  5. Stir in the zest of 2 lemons and 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust lemon juice as desired.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet with asparagus. Toss gently while gradually adding 1 cup grated Parmesan and some reserved pasta water (start with 1/4 cup) to create a silky sauce.
  7. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to combine and remove from heat.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, drizzle a little more olive oil if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook asparagus; it should remain tender-crisp. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone at the end. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon asparagus pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Parmesan pasta, spring pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/fresh-lemon-asparagus-pasta-recipe-easy-30-minute-parmesan-meal/