Lemon Asparagus Pasta (30-Minutes)
Lemon Asparagus Pasta is a fresh, bright, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines tender asparagus, zesty lemon, garlic, and Parmesan for a light yet flavorful meal.This recipe is highly customizable—add peas, protein, or make it creamy depending on your preference. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality pasta ready to serve.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon about 3 tablespoons
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or dairy-free alternative
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for spice
- ½ cup peas fresh or frozen
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil/parsley
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas (for protein)
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts for crunch
- ¼ cup heavy cream for a creamy version
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté the Asparagus
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the asparagus and sauté for 3–5 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
- If using peas, add them in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Lemon and Seasonings
- Reduce heat to low, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything together and let the flavors meld for about one minute.
Combine with Pasta
- Add the drained pasta to the pan with the asparagus mixture.
- Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil for richness, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!