This Asparagus Lemon Pasta tastes gourmet, yet only takes 30 minutes to make. Your family will love this recipe for lemony asparagus pasta.
This Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta is perfect for lent as it does not contain any meat. While this recipe is meat free, you can also chose to add a protein source of your choice, making it super customizable.
For more easy and delicious recipes starring asparagus, check out these Easy Asparagus Recipes!
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What We Love About This Lemon Garlic Asparagus Recipe
- 30 Minute Meal: This recipe for lemon garlic asparagus pasta is ready start to finish in 30 minutes, with only 5 minutes of prep time!
- Adaptable: You can change up the veggies you use in this recipe for garlic lemon asparagus pasta!
- Makes Great Leftovers: This recipe is just as delicious enjoyed for lunch the next day as leftovers!
Ingredient Notes for this Garlic Lemon Asparagus Recipe
- Pasta: For this recipe, I used penne pasta, but you could use other shape of your choice.
- Asparagus: You will need 1lb of asparagus.
- Peas: You can use frozen peas, just let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Butter: For this recipe, you will need a couple tablespoons of unsalted butter. You could also use olive oil as well.
- Heavy Cream: If you do not have heavy cream, milk will work just as well.
- Lemon: You will need both the zest and juice of a lemon.
- Garlic Powder: Both garlic powder or freshly minced cloves garlic will work for this step.
- Crushed Red Pepper: The crushed red pepper is optional, if you don’t like a little heat then hold off on adding it.
- Pasta Water: Be sure to save approximately 1 cup of the starchy pasta water as it will help to bring the sauce together.
Equipment Needed for Pasta Lemon Asparagus
- Pot
- Large Skillet
- Colander
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Make Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta
These are the basic steps for making Asparagus Lemon Pasta. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition facts.
STEP 1: BOIL THE PASTA
First, add pasta to salted boiling water, also add the frozen peas and chopped asparagus to the pan. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package recommends, as it will finishing cooking in the sauce. Be sure to save 1 cup of the pasta water before draining it. Drain and set aside.
STEP 2: MAKE THE SAUCE
In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter, cream, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir and allow it to come to a low simmer. You can adjust the spices to your liking at this point.
STEP 3: ADD SAUCE TO PASTA AND VEGGIES
When your sauce is done pour over the pasta and asparagus mixture, add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water in and mix until fully combine. You can add more pasta water as necessary until you reach your desired consistency. Top with fresh basil and sprinkle with shredded parmesan, crushed red pepper, and lemon zest, then serve!
Prep and Storage Tips for Pasta Recipes
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
If you would like, you make this recipe ahead and store in an airtight container and heat up in microwave safe.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
This recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
Store in a freeze bag for up to 8 months.
HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE
Reheat this recipe in a microwave safe for 1.5-2 minutes or until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions for this Lemony Asparagus Pasta
This lemony asparagus pasta can easily be made gluten-free, by making one small change but subbing out the regular pasta.
If you are not a fan of asparagus, you can sub it for broccoli or zucchini.
This recipe can easily be doubled or halved by increasing or decreasing ingredients proportionally.
Not only does asparagus great with lemon flavor, but it also goes great with garlic and parmesan cheese.
Expert Tips for Making This Lemon Pasta with Asparagus Recipe
- Add Shrimp: Adding grilled shrimp to this lemon pasta with asparagus makes for the perfect addition.
- Add Chicken: To add some protein to this lemony pasta with asparagus you can grilled chicken.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free sub the normal pasta for a chickpea or use gluten-free pasta or vegan pasta.
- Different Veggies: Chopped cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, red onion or fresh herbs add flavor.
What to Serve with Asparagus Lemon Pasta
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Garlic Herb Rolls
- Easy Caesar Salad
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Asparagus Lemon Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb asparagus, ends removed and cut into 2” pieces
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 cup pasta water
- Shredded parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions.
- Add chopped asparagus and frozen peas to the pasta water and cook for the remaining 2 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the remainder. Set pot of pasta and veggies aside.
- In a large skillet on medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add cream, lemon juice, lemon zest and spices. Stir and allow the cream to come to a low simmer. Adjust spices and/or lemon juice to taste.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the pot of pasta and veggies. Toss to combine.
- Stir in ¼ cup of pasta water at a time until desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan and a dash of extra crushed red pepper.
Expert Tips
- Add Shrimp: Adding grilled shrimp to this lemon pasta with asparagus makes for the perfect addition.
- Add Chicken: To add some protein to this lemony pasta with asparagus you can grilled chicken.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free sub the normal pasta for a chickpea or gluten-free pasta.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Delicious and easy. Lemon adds something.
It really does elevate the pasta. Thanks!
Delicious and incredibly easy. The lemon is a great addition – don’t skip the lemon.