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Classic Asparagus Pasta

A fresh and vibrant dish featuring tender asparagus, garlic, and zesty lemon combined with pasta for a light yet satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or your choice)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
Flavoring
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 each lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Red pepper flakes (optional) adds a spicy kick
Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cooking
  1. Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or oil if needed. For a vibrant green color, blanch the asparagus before sautéing. Add chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein. Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for variety.