Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen asparagus is a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your dish.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Pasta is considered al dente when it is firmly cooked and still offers a slight bite when you chew it. It's often indicated on the packaging, usually a minute or two less than the suggested maximum cooking time.

What can I serve with Asparagus Pasta?

This dish pairs beautifully with a light side salad, garlic bread, or even a glass of sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing complement.

Can I make Asparagus Pasta ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the asparagus and sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers and combine them with pasta just before serving.

How can I make this recipe more filling?

To make Asparagus Pasta more filling, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas. You can also top it with toasted nuts for added texture.

Asparagus Pasta: 5-Ingredient Recipe for Quick Comfort

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Begin by preparing the asparagus. Cut off the woody ends and slice the asparagus spears into discs, keeping the tips whole for a beautiful presentation.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about three minutes until it’s translucent. Then, add the sliced asparagus, grated garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional five minutes.
Once the asparagus is cooked, transfer half of the asparagus mixture to a food processor. Add fresh basil, grated parmesan, lemon juice, and a splash of water, then blend until you achieve a smooth creamy consistency.
While making the creamy sauce, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
Return to the skillet, mix the creamy sauce back with the remaining asparagus, and add the drained pasta. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Notes

Use fresh asparagus for the best flavor. Adjust lemon to taste for brightness.

Author: eleanor-quin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 10mg