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To make this tasty dish, you will need: - 8 oz (about 225g) spaghetti or fettuccine - 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a bright and flavorful meal. The lemon and garlic give it a fresh taste, while the asparagus adds crunch and color. You can adjust this recipe by adding: - Cherry tomatoes for sweetness - Spinach for more greens - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Nuts like pine nuts for crunch These additions can make the dish your own. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix. To complement your Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta, try serving: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread for extra flavor - Steamed vegetables for a healthy boost These sides enhance the meal and make it even more satisfying. Enjoying the pasta with these options makes for a great dining experience! Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook it until it's al dente, about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, save 1 cup of pasta water. This water adds flavor to the dish. Then, drain the pasta in a colander. While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the trimmed asparagus pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Look for them to turn bright green and tender. Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great. Lower the heat in your skillet. Add the drained pasta to the asparagus and garlic mix. Pour in the zest and juice of 1 lemon and the last tablespoon of olive oil. Toss everything together. If the dish seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Season it with salt, pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Serve right away, topping each plate with more cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta! To get perfectly cooked asparagus, start with fresh, vibrant stalks. Trim off the tough ends. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces for even cooking. Sauté in hot olive oil for about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender yet bright green. If they lose their color, they may be overcooked. You can easily make this recipe fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, swap spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. If you avoid dairy, use a vegan Parmesan cheese. You can also skip cheese altogether for a lighter dish. To add protein, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp. Herbs and spices can elevate your dish. Fresh basil adds a sweet note and brightens the meal. Try adding thyme or oregano for an earthy touch. For more heat, increase red pepper flakes to your liking. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also deepen the dish's flavor. {{image_2}} To make this dish vegan, swap the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative. Many brands offer great cheese options made from nuts or soy. Nutritional yeast is another tasty choice, providing a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add more lemon juice to enhance the zing. This way, you keep all the flavor while making it suitable for a vegan diet. You can easily add protein to this dish. Cooked chicken or shrimp works well. Simply sauté the protein in the skillet before adding the asparagus. For chicken, use bite-sized pieces. For shrimp, look for medium-sized ones that cook quickly. You can also try chickpeas for a plant-based protein option. They add texture and heartiness to the meal. If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta. Many brands make pasta from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. These options have a similar texture and taste. You can also use spiralized vegetables like zucchini or carrots for a lighter dish. They are fun and add extra nutrients to your meal. To store leftover Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, check for any changes in smell or color. If you see any signs of spoilage, discard it. You can freeze this pasta dish for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, take them out of the fridge or freezer. For fridge leftovers, heat them in a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help with moisture. Stir until warm. For frozen pasta, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as you would for fridge leftovers. You can also use the microwave, covering the dish to prevent drying out. Yes, you can add other vegetables! Try bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. These veggies cook quickly and add color. Just make sure to cut them small. This way, they mix well with the pasta. Spaghetti or fettuccine works best for this dish. Both types hold the sauce nicely. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just cook them according to the package instructions. To spice it up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use a dash of hot sauce. If you want, try adding chopped fresh chili peppers. Adjust the spice to your taste! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and veggies, then store in the fridge. When ready to eat, heat it up in a skillet. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Enjoy! Lemon garlic asparagus pasta is a simple dish you can customize. We covered key ingredients, tips for cooking, and fun variations to try. Remember, you can add protein or skip gluten with different pasta. Use these steps to make this meal your own. Enjoy it fresh or save leftovers for later. Cooking should be fun, so experiment and find what you love most!

Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta

Indulge in the fresh flavors of Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta with this easy recipe! Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish combines tender asparagus, zesty lemon, and savory garlic with your choice of spaghetti or fettuccine. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s both delicious and satisfying. Click through to discover how to make this vibrant meal that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 225g) spaghetti or fettuccine

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

    While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

      Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender but still bright green.

        Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

          Lower the heat and add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the lemon zest, juice, and remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached.

            Season with salt, pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well.

              Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | Serves 4