Garlicky Lemon Asparagus Pasta Recipe
Asparagus pasta: prepare a light, flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. This lemon garlic recipe is perfect for spring weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (uncooked)
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb.)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lemon
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste, freshly cracked)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and continue to boil until the pasta is tender. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Remove the bottom 1/2 to 1-inch of the stems, or just the part that is tough and woody. Chop the remaining asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
- Place the asparagus in a large skillet and add about 1/2 inch water. Place a lid on the skillet and bring the water up to a boil. Let the asparagus steam and simmer for about 2 minutes, or just until it turns bright green and has become slightly tender (test with a fork). Drain the asparagus and return it to the skillet.
- Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the asparagus and place it over medium heat. Sauté the partially cooked asparagus in the butter and garlic for about two minutes more, or until the garlic becomes soft and fragrant. Turn off the heat.
Notes
- For the freshest taste, choose asparagus with firm, bright green stalks and tight tips. - Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key for the best texture in this dish. - When sautéing the garlic, keep the heat medium to prevent burning, which can turn the flavor bitter. I've found that a gentle sizzle is what you're looking for, not a loud crackle.
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent drying out. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent drying out. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.