You know those days when everything seems to be a whirlwind, and you’re just yearning for something comforting yet lively on your plate? That’s where this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Asparagus Pasta steps in. It’s like a quick culinary hug with a zesty twist, perfect for those nights when you crave a pop of freshness without spending hours in the kitchen—because honestly, who has the time?
Steps
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and return to a boil, cooking uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is slightly firm.
- Add the asparagus pieces to the pot with the penne and bring it back to a boil. Cook for about 3 more minutes until the pasta is al dente and the asparagus is tender-crisp and bright green. Drain the pasta and asparagus together.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained penne and asparagus. Gently mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until everything is well incorporated.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package of penne pasta
- 1 pound of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large lemon, both zest and juice
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup of olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3024 | Total Fat: 144g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1264mg | Total Carbohydrate: 360g | Dietary Fiber: 32g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 104g | Vitamin C: 112mg | Calcium: 1160mg | Iron: 24mg | Potassium: 2032mg
FAQ
- Can I serve Lemon Asparagus Pasta cold?
- Yes, this dish can be enjoyed hot, warm, or cold, making it versatile for various occasions.
- What can I add to enhance the flavor of the pasta?
- Consider incorporating ingredients like garlic, pancetta, or sun-dried tomatoes. Some people also like to use the oil from sun-dried tomato jars for added flavor.
- Is it possible to substitute Parmesan cheese in this recipe?
- Absolutely, feta cheese or any other cheese you prefer can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese.
- Can I include additional vegetables in the pasta?
- Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach or broccoli to the pasta to increase its nutritional content and add variety.
- How do I make this dish creamier?
- To achieve a creamier texture, you can mix in a small amount of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor, consider infusing the olive oil with garlic before combining it with the pasta and asparagus.
- For a creamy twist, mix in a little cream cheese when adding the lemon zest and juice.
- If you enjoy a bit of variety, try incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach towards the end of cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
- To make it a more substantial meal, consider adding diced chicken breasts or smoked sausage.
Equipment
- Large Pot – For boiling the pasta and asparagus.
- Colander – For draining the pasta and asparagus.
- Microplane Zester – For zesting the lemon.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the pasta with other ingredients.
- Pasta Serving Spoon – For mixing and serving the pasta dish.