Easy Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta Recipe
A bright and refreshing pasta dish made with tender asparagus, zesty lemon, and savory garlic. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal any day of the week.
Equipment
- large pot
- colander
- large skillet
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Wash, trim, and cut asparagus into bite-sized pieces while the pasta cooks.
- In a large skillet, simmer a small amount of water and cook asparagus for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove excess water.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with asparagus. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Stir in lemon zest and juice, mixing well to combine flavors.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Do not overcook the asparagus to maintain a crisp texture. Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce. Use fresh lemon juice and garlic for the best flavor. You can substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter or dairy-free option. Add protein like chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg
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