30-Min Lemon Asparagus Pasta
30-Min Lemon Asparagus Pasta is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the crisp texture of asparagus, all enveloped in perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté asparagus: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté minced garlic and asparagus for about 5 minutes until tender but crisp.
- Add flavors: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Incorporate reserved pasta water for a creamier sauce if desired.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with the asparagus mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese and extra lemon zest if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: For added protein, include grilled chicken or shrimp. Substitute asparagus with broccoli or snap peas for variation. Sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving for extra heat.