Brighten your table with this Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Parmesan, ready in 20 minutes! Tender pasta and crisp asparagus are tossed in a zesty lemon sauce and topped with Parmesan—perfect for a quick, flavorful spring meal.
Why It’s a Spring Star
This pasta highlights fresh asparagus and a tangy lemon kick, finished with savory Parmesan. It’s light, fast, and delicious—ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice & zest of 1 lemon (~3 tbsp juice)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes
How to Make It
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water per package (8-10 min). Add asparagus last 3 min. Drain, reserve 1/2 cup water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté garlic 1 min, add lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
- Toss in pasta, asparagus, and Parmesan, adding reserved water if needed. Serve hot, with red pepper flakes if desired.
Recipe Card: Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Parmesan
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 20 min
Servings: 4
Calories: 320 kcal
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice & zest of 1 lemon (~3 tbsp juice)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water 8-10 min, add asparagus last 3 min. Drain, reserve 1/2 cup water.
- Heat oil in skillet, sauté garlic 1 min, add lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper.
- Toss in pasta, asparagus, Parmesan, thin with reserved water if needed. Serve hot, sprinkle with flakes if using.
Notes
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days.
- Swap asparagus for peas for variety.
