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The Perfect Asparagus Pasta

A delightful asparagus pasta dish that combines fresh flavors and buttery richness, perfect for any dinner occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (any shape)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (grated)
  • pounds asparagus (fresh or frozen)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup grated parmesan (or more to taste)
  • ½ cup fresh basil (or 3 sprigs fresh thyme)
  • ½ lemon (juice and zest)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the grated garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the Asparagus: Chop the asparagus into 2-inch pieces, then add them to the skillet. Stir in the salt and black pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water, then add the grated parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Mix until well-combined.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Off the heat, toss in the fresh basil (or thyme) and adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the vegetables or herbs based on your preference. This dish can easily be tailored for different diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, seasonal recipe