Description
A bright and fresh spring-inspired pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and zesty lemon in a light, creamy sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend lunches, celebrating seasonal ingredients with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (e.g., linguine or spaghetti)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g., basil or parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, trim the woody ends from the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Step 5: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Feel free to add cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein. Adjust lemon and cheese quantities to taste for a more or less tangy flavor.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT30M
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Spring Asparagus & Lemon Pasta, easy recipes
