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Creamy Asparagus Pasta

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Creamy Asparagus Pasta is a light yet indulgent dish combining tender pasta, a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and the bright flavor of fresh asparagus. The perfect balance of textures and flavors, this pasta is comforting, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  1. 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    1/2 cup heavy cream
    1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
    1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    Fresh lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
    Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set aside.

  1. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
  3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the cooked asparagus, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Serve the creamy asparagus pasta immediately, garnished with fresh lemon zest and herbs if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe is versatile – you can add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for additional flavors and nutrients.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
  • If you want to make this dish dairy-free, substitute the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast, and use a plant-based cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-asparagus-pasta/