Savor this easy creamy pasta dish with fresh lemon & asparagus, topped with Parmesan for a quick, delightful dinner idea. Perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz of pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Start by cooking the pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, or it will turn bitter!
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re tender and bright green.
Lower the heat to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine, allowing it to warm up without boiling.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Next, add the lemon juice and zest into the sauce, stirring to combine thoroughly.
Now, add the drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together gently until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, serve up your delicious creation, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
A delightful creamy pasta dish featuring fresh asparagus, zesty lemon, and Parmesan, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions.
