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Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Bright, zesty, and loaded with cheese, this lemon asparagus pasta is a flavor explosion that's ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 285 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups Gemelli pasta, or another short pasta like penne
  • ½ bunch asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons all purpose flour
  • dash salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil, extra virgin
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic 
  • 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook pasta in boiling water for 6 minutes. Add asparagus and continue cooking until just tender (about 3-5 more minutes). Drain and return to the pot.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk milk, mustard, flour, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a small saucepan on medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly browned (stirring constantly) for about 1 minute. Pour in the milk mixture and whisk. Continue stirring as you bring it to a simmer. Cook until thick, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
  4. Stir this sauce into the pasta and cook over medium-high heat. Cook until sauce is thick and creamy. Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta.
  5. Top with remaining shaved Parmesan cheese as a topping. ENJOY!

Notes

  • Recipe Tips.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container(s) in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a bit of milk to help smooth out the texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container(s) in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a bit of milk to help smooth out the texture.
  • We used Gemelli pasta, but a more common and equally good pasta to use is penne pasta. Do not overcook the pasta; cook only to al dente.
  • Bend the asparagus stalks at the bottom. They'll snap where the tough woody ends meet the tender part of the stalk.
  • This is a filling and delicious vegetarian meal, but you can add grilled sliced chicken, shrimp, or fish.

Nutrition Information

Calories 285kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 38g (13%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 19mg (6%) Sodium 307mg (13%) Potassium 289mg (8%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 644IU (13%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 261mg (26%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 285

% Daily Value*

Calories 285kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 38g 13%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 307mg 13%
Potassium 289mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 644IU 13%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 261mg 26%
Iron 2mg 11%

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