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5.0 from 30 votes

Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Lemon asparagus pasta is a warm-weather that combines thinly sliced asparagus, garlic, oil, and lemon that's tossed with al dente spaghetti and finished with fresh basil. This simple pasta can be ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 681 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 bunch asparagus sliced diagonally on a thin bias
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 6 cloves garlic sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
  • 3 cups pasta water will most likely not need it all
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup basil hand torn
  • 1/2 cup parmesan grated

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (2 tablespoons per gallon) to boil. 
  2. Meanwhile, cut off and discard the bottom 2 inches of the asparagus and slice it into 3-inch long thin pieces on a diagonal bias. At this point cook the spaghetti until 1 minute less than al dente.
  3. Heat a large pan to medium-low and coat the pan with a 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Saute the garlic for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant then add the red pepper flakes and the asparagus. Cook for 1-2 minutes longer until the asparagus just turns bright green.
  4. When the pasta is almost done cooking add 1 cup of pasta water to the pan and turn the heat to medium.
  5. Add the almost-cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. If the pasta is too dry add a bit more pasta water and toss once more.
  6. Once the pasta reaches a perfect al dente, remove the pan from heat and add in the lemon juice and lemon zest and toss to emulsify. Add the basil and a hefty drizzle of extra virgin olive oil as well. Taste test and make final adjustments to salt and pepper. Serve in bowls and divide the grated parmesan. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Try your best to cut the asparagus into thin slices on a diagonal bias.  The pieces will form long wilted strands similar to the spaghetti.
  • Leftovers can be saved in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories 681kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 89.4g (30%) Protein 20.4g (41%) Fat 30g (46%) Saturated Fat 5.4g (27%) Cholesterol 9mg (3%) Sodium 118mg (5%) Potassium 203mg (6%) Fiber 6.2g (25%) Sugar 3.9g (8%) Calcium 136mg (14%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 681

% Daily Value*

Calories 681kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 89.4g 30%
Protein 20.4g 41%
Fat 30g 46%
Saturated Fat 5.4g 27%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 118mg 5%
Potassium 203mg 4%
Fiber 6.2g 25%
Sugar 3.9g 8%
Calcium 136mg 14%
Iron 2mg 11%

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