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Creamy Lemon and Asparagus Pasta Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

This creamy lemon and asparagus pasta is a vibrant and comforting dish that combines tender asparagus with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. Perfectly al dente pasta is tossed in a tangy, buttery sauce and topped with fresh cracked pepper and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, typically a few minutes less than the package instructions indicate.
  2. Add asparagus: During the last minute of cooking the pasta, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water. Then, drain the pasta and asparagus together, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a deep skillet or sauté pan large enough to hold the cooked pasta, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
  4. Add butter: Add the butter one tablespoon at a time to the simmering cream sauce, stirring continuously to melt and incorporate it fully. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed for balance.
  5. Toss pasta and asparagus: Add the drained pasta and asparagus into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together gently, while adding 1/4 cup of the reserved hot pasta water to loosen and combine the sauce evenly.
  6. Serve: Plate the creamy lemon and asparagus pasta immediately and top with freshly cracked black pepper and shaved or grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest from an unwaxed lemon.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed for a silky texture.
  • Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best finishing touch.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent overcooking when mixed with the sauce.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its freshest.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/creamy-lemon-and-asparagus-pasta-recipe/