Springtime Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Parmesan

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that spring feeling and crave something fresh? Me too! This asparagus pasta recipe is like sunshine on a plate.

Honestly, it's one of my go-to meals when I need a quick and flavourful dinner. It's got this lovely grassy flavour from the asparagus.

Plus, a bright lemony zing that just wakes up your taste buds.

Springtime Delight: A Taste of Italy

This recipe is inspired by the classic pasta primavera with asparagus . It’s basically Italian comfort food at its finest. This dish is super easy, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish.

It makes around 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.

Why You'll Love This Asparagus Pasta

One of the best things about this dish is its simplicity. And asparagus is packed with vitamins, so you can feel good about eating it.

This spring asparagus pasta is great for a weeknight meal. Also, it's fancy enough to serve to guests. What makes it special? The combination of fresh ingredients and that bright lemon sauce, of course!

Ready to get cooking? Let's gather the ingredients! You'll need: 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne works great), 1 pound fresh asparagus, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional but adds a lovely depth), 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/4 cup heavy cream, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Don't worry if you don't have everything. You can always substitute! For example, coconut cream works as a replacement of heavy cream if you are vegetarian asparagus pasta .

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for Our Springtime Asparagus Pasta!

Okay, so you're itching to whip up this spring asparagus pasta ? Sweet! Let's run through what you'll need. I always say, good ingredients make for good eats!

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific!

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward.

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of your fave! Linguine, spaghetti, or even penne work.
• Fresh Asparagus: 1 pound (450g) is what we're aiming for. Look for firm, bright green stalks. Avoid anything limp or sad-looking, you know?
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Extra virgin is always a win.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with it!
• Dry White Wine: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Optional, but trust me, it adds a wow factor!
• Vegetable Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Half and-half is fine if you want it lighter.
• Lemon: Zest and juice of 1 . Fresh is key here!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) grated, plus more for serving.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (15g) chopped. Adds a pop of freshness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, obviously!
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch. Totally optional, but I like the kick!

Honestly, pasta asparagus is a pretty forgiving recipe. But fresh asparagus really makes a difference. If it's in season, grab some from your local farmers market.

You can also look to create a creamy asparagus pasta recipe to be more appealing to the audience.

Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Flavor!

The lemon and Parmesan are the stars here. A little garlic gives it depth. If you don't have white wine, no worries! Just skip it.

A pinch of red pepper flakes? Chef's kiss .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy asparagus pasta dinner . Here's what's essential:

• Large pot: For cooking the pasta, duh!
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: For the asparagus and sauce.
• Lemon zester and juicer: Makes life easier.

No lemon zester? Use a grater! No fancy juicer? Just squeeze that lemon, mate!

So, that's it! Grab your gear, get your ingredients, and let's make some asparagus with pasta ! You'll be saying " Pasta Primavera with Asparagus " every day in spring asparagus pasta .

Cooking Method: Springtime Asparagus Pasta Magic

Asparagus pasta. Oh my gosh, I love it. It's just so simple, but feels fancy. It's the perfect bridge between winter comfort food and the fresh flavours of springtime.

We are talking about Spring Asparagus Pasta .

Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together

First things first, get organised. That's what my grandma always said. Mise en place , as the fancy chefs say.

It means "everything in its place". Chop 1 pound (450g) of asparagus into 1 inch pieces. Mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Zest and juice 1 lemon . Grate that Parmesan ! We want about 1/4 cup (30g) . Chop some fresh parsley too, about 2 tablespoons (15g) .

This Asparagus And Pasta Recipe is all about fresh flavor.

step-by-step: From Hob to Heaven

1. Cook 1 pound (450g) of pasta until al dente . That means "to the tooth" in Italian. The pasta should be slightly firm. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil in a pan. Add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
3. Chuck in the asparagus and cook it for 3- 5 minutes . Aim for tender crisp. It should still have a little bite.
4. Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup (60ml) of white wine , if you're feeling fancy. Let it reduce slightly.
5. Pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) of vegetable broth and the lemon juice. Simmer it gently. Stir in 1/4 cup (60ml) of heavy cream (or half and-half).
6. Add the pasta to the pan with the sauce and asparagus. Toss it all together.
7. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and parsley. Use the pasta water to make the sauce creamy.
8. Serve immediately. Garnish with more Parmesan. You are ready for the perfect Easy Asparagus Pasta Dinner .

Pro Tips: Chef Secrets

Don't overcook your asparagus. Soggy asparagus is a crime. The pasta water is your secret weapon. It helps thicken the sauce.

Salt your pasta water like the sea. That's what they say, anyway! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.

You can easily make this a Vegetarian Asparagus Pasta recipe by making sure the parmesan uses vegetable rennet. I like to add shrimp sometimes for Shrimp Asparagus Pasta .

Honestly, this lemon asparagus pasta is one of my go-tos when I need something quick, easy, and delicious. It's like a hug in a bowl!

Recipe Notes

Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this Springtime Asparagus Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan . It's easier than making toast, honestly!

Serving Your Asparagus Pasta Like a Pro

Presentation is everything, right? I like to twirl the asparagus with pasta into a nice nest on the plate. Then, I generously sprinkle extra Parmesan.

A lemon wedge on the side looks fancy, and lets people add more zing if they want. For sides, a simple green salad is perfect.

Some crusty bread for soaking up that delicious sauce? Absolute winner. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc goes down a treat too!

Storage for Leftover Pasta

Got leftovers? No worries. Pasta Asparagus keeps well in the fridge. Just pop it into an airtight container. It'll be good for about 3-4 days .

If you're thinking long term, freezing isn't the best. The creamy asparagus pasta recipe might get a bit watery after thawing.

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Microwave or gently heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Remixing Your Asparagus Delight

Feel like switching things up? Go for it! For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works a treat. Don't forget to add vegan Parmesan.

Want extra protein? Cooked shrimp thrown in at the end makes a Shrimp Asparagus Pasta . Seasonal swaps? In the winter, try broccoli instead of spring asparagus pasta .

So yummy!

Quick Nutrition Lowdown

Each serving is around 450 calories . You get about 18g of protein , 18g of fat , and 60g of carbs .

Remember, these are just estimates. This vegetarian asparagus pasta is packed with vitamins from the asparagus. Plus, that lemon provides a nice boost of vitamin C!

I hope this helps you make some amazing Easy Asparagus Pasta Dinner ! Whether you are cooking for one or for a party, asparagus and pasta recipes are always a good idea!.

Don't overthink it, just have fun.