Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This asparagus pasta tagliatelle is a celebration of fresh ingredients, offering a balance of flavors and textures. The asparagus adds a crunchy, slightly earthy element, while the tagliatelle provides a satisfying bite. The lemon and garlic sauce is light but flavorful, allowing the natural taste of the asparagus to shine. It’s a quick and easy dish that feels special enough for a dinner party, but simple enough for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s versatile — you can add other ingredients like chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms if you like.

Ingredients

8 oz tagliatelle pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tagliatelle according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Asparagus: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender, but still crisp. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked tagliatelle to the skillet, along with the cooked asparagus. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat the pasta. Continue to toss until everything is well-mixed and heated through.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with more salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a bit more pasta water for a silkier sauce.
Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2-3
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta to make this dish a more substantial meal.
Mushroom Asparagus Tagliatelle: Add sautéed mushrooms along with the asparagus for an earthy, umami-rich flavor.
Vegan Version: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute for a dairy-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Herbed Asparagus Pasta: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or tarragon to the dish for a fragrant twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover asparagus pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute tagliatelle with other types of pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta used.

2. Can I use frozen asparagus?

Fresh asparagus works best for this recipe, but if you need to use frozen asparagus, thaw it completely and sauté it as you would fresh asparagus. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still taste delicious.

3. How can I make the sauce creamier?

If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of mascarpone cheese to the sauce, just before tossing with the pasta.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can make the components ahead of time (cook the pasta, prepare the asparagus, and make the sauce) and then assemble and heat them together when you’re ready to serve.

5. How do I know when asparagus is cooked properly?

Asparagus should be tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooking can make it mushy, so be sure to sauté it for 3-4 minutes, keeping it slightly crisp.

6. Can I use other vegetables in this pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, spinach, or even zucchini. Just sauté them along with the asparagus for a great variation.

7. Can I use lemon juice instead of zest?

Lemon zest adds a fragrant citrusy flavor to the dish. If you don’t have zest, you can increase the amount of lemon juice, but the dish will lack some of the brightness that the zest provides.

8. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, tagliatelle is traditionally made with wheat flour. However, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

10. Can I add cheese to the sauce for extra richness?

Yes, you can add more cheese, like ricotta or goat cheese, to the sauce for a creamier texture and richer flavor.

Conclusion

Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle is a light, vibrant, and delicious dish that perfectly showcases the fresh flavors of spring. The combination of tender asparagus, fresh pasta, and a simple yet flavorful lemon-garlic sauce makes it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether served as a light dinner or as a side dish, this pasta will be a hit with anyone who loves fresh, flavorful meals. With endless customization options and an easy preparation process, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to!

Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle

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Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle is a light and elegant dish that pairs tender asparagus with delicate tagliatelle pasta in a simple lemon and garlic sauce. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe is perfect for springtime and is both healthy and satisfying. It can be customized with proteins like chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tagliatelle according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Cook the Asparagus: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender, but still crisp. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked tagliatelle to the skillet, along with the cooked asparagus. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat the pasta. Continue to toss until everything is well-mixed and heated through.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with more salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a bit more pasta water for a silkier sauce.
Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese.
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.
Add fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or tarragon for additional flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 20mg