Creamy Lemon and Asparagus Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
391 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Lemon and Asparagus Pasta
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.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- Drop the asparagus in for the last minute of cooking. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet and toss to combine, adding the 1/4 cup hot pasta water along with it.
- Serve immediately, topped with plenty of Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition 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.