Creamy Lemon and Asparagus Pasta

User Reviews

5

72 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    35 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    391 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Creamy Lemon and Asparagus Pasta

This Creamy Lemon and Asparagus Pasta combines tender pasta cooked just shy of al dente with freshly cooked asparagus spears. The sauce blends rich heavy cream with bright lemon juice and zest, enriched further by butter, creating a smooth, tangy coating. Freshly cracked black pepper and Parmesan cheese finish the dish, adding a seasoned sharpness.

Description

Creamy Lemon and Asparagus Pasta features dried pasta and asparagus pieces cooked together to balance texture and timing. The heavy cream simmers with lemon juice and zest for citrus brightness, then butter is incorporated gradually for a velvety sauce. Combining the drained pasta and asparagus with the sauce and reserved pasta water helps the sauce adhere evenly and maintain a luscious texture. Served right away with Parmesan and black pepper, this dish offers a fresh but indulgent flavor combination.

The lemon adds a fresh acidity complemented by the natural sweetness and subtle crunch of asparagus, while the cream creates a satisfying mouthfeel. Cooking pasta slightly under al dente preserves a firmer bite that contrasts well with the soft asparagus segments.

To serve, pile the pasta and sauce on plates and top generously with Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. This pairs well with simple salads or steamed vegetables for a light meal.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 3/4 lb dried pasta
  • 1 lb asparagus trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 8 ounces heavy cream
  • lemon zest of 1
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp butter unsalted
  • 1/4 cup pasta cooking water
  • black pepper fresh cracked, for serving
  • Parmesan Cheese fresh cracked, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a big pot of well salted water until just al dente. I usually cook it for a few minutes shy of what it says on the box.
  2. Drop the asparagus in for the last minute of cooking. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
  3. Meanwhile pour the cream into a skillet with deep sides (big enough to hold the finished pasta) and bring to a simmer. Add the lemon juice, zest, and salt.
  4. Add the butter, a tablespoon at a time, to the sauce, and stir to melt it. Taste to adjust the salt or the lemon juice.
  5. Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet and toss to combine, adding the 1/4 cup hot pasta water along with it.
  6. Serve immediately, topped with plenty of Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 391kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 47g (16%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 19g (29%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 62mg (21%) Sodium 214mg (9%) Potassium 316mg (7%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1244IU (25%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 56mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 391 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 391kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 19g 29%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 62mg 21%
Sodium 214mg 9%
Potassium 316mg 7%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1244IU 25%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 56mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

72 reviews
Excellent

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