Description
A delightful and creamy asparagus pasta recipe featuring sautéed garlic and asparagus combined with a tangy lemon-infused cream cheese sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy pasta dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and highlights fresh spring flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set drained pasta aside.
- Sauté asparagus and garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the asparagus pieces and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender.
- Create the sauce: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the asparagus and stir gently until the cream cheese has melted and combines with the olive oil to form a creamy base. Then add the drained pasta into the skillet.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve a light and creamy consistency that coats the pasta well.
- Toss and season: Toss the pasta gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the asparagus pasta immediately while hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- If cream cheese is not available, substitute with mascarpone or ricotta for a similar creamy texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the asparagus; it should remain slightly crisp.
- Reserved pasta water helps in adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: asparagus pasta, creamy asparagus pasta, lemon pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, quick pasta dinner, spring pasta recipe
