Pasta with Lemon and Asparagus

Pasta with Lemon and Asparagus is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances zesty citrus with the earthy flavor of asparagus. This light and satisfying meal is perfect for any occasion, bringing a taste of spring to your table.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
• Fresh asparagus - 200 grams, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon zest - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative) - 30 grams, grated
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
2. In the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water with the pasta.
3. While the pasta and asparagus cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Once the pasta and asparagus are done, drain them and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
5. Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet with the garlic. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley just before serving.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Asparagus is high in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and is a good source of fiber.
• Lemon provides a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, which support the immune system.

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