Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Warmer temperatures are arriving, so lighter meals are in order. Lighter and faster, because no one wants to be cooking when it is gorgeous outside, right? Lemon Asparagus Pasta is the perfect solution for a super quick, light and delicious meal that you can whip up any night of the week in about 15 minutes…..

That right there is springtime in a bowl! Your favorite pasta, crispy asparagus, tangy lemon, and salty Parmesan combine with garlic to create the perfect light meal…at least in my opinion. 😉

I created a similar dish several years ago, Spaghetti al Limone, but I decided to lighten it up even further and add some fresh asparagus and garlic.

How to make Lemon Asparagus Pasta:

Bring 5 to 6 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot.

Trim the woody ends off 1 pound of asparagus, and cut into 1-inch pieces…..

Add your choice of pasta to the boiling water {I used linguine} and cook according to the package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the onion and saute until softened…..

Add the garlic and cook for one additional minute. Remove from heat.

Two minutes before the pasta cooking time is up, remove 1 cup of pasta water and set aside. Add the asparagus pieces to the pasta/water…..

Drain the pasta and asparagus, then add to the skillet.

Add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, cayenne (if using) and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water…..

Toss to combine adding additional pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper and serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese…..

Do you have your forks ready?

Notes: (contains affiliate links)

• If you cannot stand asparagus, substitute broccoli florets.
• I used linguine this time, but any pasta shape will work including rotini, penne, fettucine, etc.
• I added just enough cayenne pepper to give it a kick, but not burn your mouth off. Adjust to suit your own family’s tastes.
• I used this Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, but any large skillet will work.
• This is the newer version of my 15 year old Calphalon Stock Pot. I am jealous that this new one has a strainer built into the lid!!
• Every kitchen needs a Microplane/Zester to make pasta!! I use it for the Parmesan and the lemon zest.

Here are some additional quick pasta dishes for you to try:

Linguine alla Carbonara – one of my absolute favorites!

Pasta al Tonno – that’s Italian for tuna

Fusilli al Pomodoro – that is Italian for fresh tomatoes and curly noodles

Shrimp Linguine – aka Shrimp Scampi

Enjoy!!

Print

Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Prep Time

2 mins

Cook Time

13 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

Lemon Asparagus Pasta is the perfect solution for a super quick, light and delicious meal that you can whip up any night of the week in about 15 minutes!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 6 Servings

Calories: 376 kcal

Author: Lisa Johnson

Ingredients

• 1 pound linguine (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 3 large cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 pound asparagus
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (one lemon)
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/16 teaspoon cayenne pepper (a pinch)
• sea salt & ground pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Bring 5 to 6 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add your choice of pasta to the boiling water {I used linguine} and cook according to the package directions.

2. Trim the woody ends off 1 pound of asparagus, and cut into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.

3. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the onion and saute until softened. 

4. Add the garlic and cook for one additional minute. Remove from heat.

5. Two minutes before the pasta cooking time is up, remove 1 cup of pasta water and set aside. Add the asparagus pieces to the pasta/water.

6. Drain the pasta and asparagus, then add to the skillet.

7. Add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, cayenne (if using) and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water.

8. Toss to combine adding additional pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper and serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Notes

• If you cannot stand asparagus, substitute broccoli florets.
• I used linguine this time, but any pasta shape will work including rotini, penne, fettucine, etc.
• I added just enough cayenne pepper to give it a kick, but not burn your mouth off. Adjust to suit your own family’s tastes.

Nutrition information is based on an estimate, calculated by WP Recipe Maker plugin from the individual ingredients listed in the recipe. Variations may occur based on alterations and personal preferences. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in every possible situation.

Nutrition Facts

Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Amount Per Serving

Calories 376 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 8g 12%

Saturated Fat 2g 10%

Cholesterol 5mg 2%

Sodium 140mg 6%

Potassium 348mg 10%

Total Carbohydrates 61g 20%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 4g

Protein 14g 28%

Vitamin A 12.9%

Vitamin C 9.3%

Calcium 13.6%

Iron 14.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe will be partying at these link parties!