Pasta with Asparagus

This Pasta with Asparagus dish combines tender asparagus with al dente pasta, creating a delightful and nutritious meal. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a healthy choice for any pasta lover.

Ingredients

• Pasta (whole wheat) - 150 grams
• Asparagus - 200 grams, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the asparagus pieces to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Return the drained pasta to the pot with the asparagus, and add the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
5. Toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and is a great source of fiber.
• Whole wheat pasta provides complex carbohydrates and fiber, promoting digestive health.

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