This Asparagus Lemon Pasta is a bright and tasty dish perfect for any day. With fresh asparagus and zesty lemon, it brings a refreshing twist to your plate!
I can’t help but love how quick it is to whip up. Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like sunshine! 🍋✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe shines with penne, but you can use any pasta shape you like. Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti works well too. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is ideal for this dish, providing a vibrant crunch. If it’s out of season, try green beans or snap peas as great substitutes. Both give a similar texture and color.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less thick. Unsweetened coconut cream is also a fantastic dairy-free alternative!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. In a pinch, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Both will add a nice cheesy taste!
Lemon Juice and Zest: Lemon is key for brightness in this dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a hurry, but fresh always tastes better!
How Do You Cook Asparagus So It’s Perfectly Crisp-Tender?
Cooking asparagus correctly is essential to keep it flavorful and crisp. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt helps enhance the flavor of the asparagus.
- Once boiling, gently add your asparagus pieces. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green.
- Immediately drain and plunge them into an ice bath (a bowl of cold water with ice). This stops the cooking and helps maintain that beautiful color.
Don’t skip the ice bath! It really locks in the crunch and freshness. Enjoy your Asparagus Lemon Pasta!
How to Make Asparagus Lemon Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Asparagus Lemon Pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and asparagus, then another 10 minutes making the creamy sauce and bringing it all together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s ready, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Blanch the Asparagus:
While the pasta is cooking, fill another pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the trimmed asparagus pieces and cook them for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the asparagus and set it aside as well.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until it melts and combines smoothly. Then add the lemon juice and zest, giving it a good stir.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked penne pasta and asparagus to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and asparagus are well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the consistency you like.
5. Season and Serve:
Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, tossing again to combine. Serve your Asparagus Lemon Pasta warm, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, if you like. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute penne with any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just keep in mind that non-dairy options may alter the flavor slightly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover asparagus lemon pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back some creaminess.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or even spinach. Just sauté them along with the garlic or blanch them with the asparagus to keep them vibrant and tender!
