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Creamy Asparagus, Lemon & Walnut Pasta

Creamy Asparagus, Lemon & Walnut Pasta is a vibrant and satisfying dish that blends the fresh tastes of asparagus and lemon with the comforting richness of a creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this delightful recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinner parties. The crunchy walnuts add texture, while the zesty lemon elevates each bite, making it an irresistible choice for pasta lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped
  • ½ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté asparagus for 5-7 minutes until tender but vibrant green. Add minced garlic during the last minute.
  3. 3. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, zest, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Simmer on low for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. 4. Combine cooked pasta with the cream sauce and toasted walnuts in the skillet. Toss gently and add reserved pasta water as needed for desired creaminess.
  5. 5. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve warm garnished with additional walnuts and black pepper.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. - Substitute walnuts with pine nuts or almonds for different textures. - To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.