Description
This asparagus pasta recipe is a delicious and easy spring meal. Fresh asparagus is combined with pasta and a creamy sauce for a quick and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be thinner.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Lemon zest or juice can brighten the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pasta, asparagus, vegetarian, spring, easy, quick, creamy, Parmesan, Italian