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Creamy Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Parmesan Sauce

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A quick and easy creamy asparagus pasta recipe featuring a bright lemon Parmesan sauce, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus. Trim woody ends and cut into 2-inch pieces. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp. Remove asparagus from pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  5. Stir in 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
  6. Add lemon zest and juice from one lemon. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Return asparagus to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
  8. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Using tongs, toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
  9. Once everything is evenly coated and heated through, remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  10. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Keep an eye on the cream as it simmers to avoid curdling. Do not overcook the asparagus to maintain a tender-crisp texture. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Add Parmesan cheese off the heat to keep the sauce silky.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-asparagus-pasta-recipe-easy-lemon-parmesan-sauce-tutorial/