This Creamy Asparagus Pasta recipe is not just a delightful way to celebrate seasonal produce; it's also a perfect blend of taste and convenience. The dish showcases the natural sweetness of asparagus, enhanced by garlic and enriched with a luscious creamy sauce that ties everything together.
Ingredients
Scale:
8 ounces of your favorite pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
1 pound of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Extra Parmesan for serving
Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and tender but still crisp.
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) into the skillet with the asparagus. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
