This recipe is your gateway to a delightful and flavorful pasta dish. Tender asparagus spears mingle with a creamy Parmesan sauce, bursting with bright lemon and garlic notes, for a truly satisfying meal.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal:
This recipe prioritizes convenience, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With readily available ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can whip up a gourmet-tasting meal in no time.
Flavorful Fusion:
- Creamy Comfort: A luscious sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a base of rich creaminess.
- Lemony Brightness: Lemon zest and juice add a vibrant citrusy zing that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce.
- Garlic Savory: Finely chopped garlic infuses the entire dish with its aromatic warmth.
- Asparagus Delight: Fresh asparagus spears, cooked to crisp-tender perfection, bring a delightful textural contrast and a pop of vibrant green color.
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle pasta and cook according to package instructions, until al dente (around 6 minutes). Reserve 1 ½ cups of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sautéing the Base: In a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, until softened (about 2 minutes).
- Introduce the Asparagus: Add the chopped asparagus and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Building the Creamy Sauce: Increase the heat to medium-low and add the butter, cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and the remaining 1 cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet.
- Unite the Flavors: Stir in the cooked pasta and toss gently with tongs. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta for about 2 minutes.
- Serving and Finishing Touches: Divide the creamy asparagus pasta evenly among bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 431
- Fat: 23g
- Carbs: 46g
- Protein: 13g
This creamy asparagus pasta is a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors. It’s a fantastic option for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a delightful side dish.
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