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Creamy Asparagus Pasta Recipe Easy Garlic Parmesan Dinner Idea

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A quick and comforting creamy asparagus pasta with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner using simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 bunch (about 1 pound or 450 grams) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ¾ cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, trim the woody ends off 1 pound (450 grams) of asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and just tender. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream. Stir gently and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce and asparagus. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
  7. Stir in ¾ cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and integrated. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed for desired consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Optionally, sprinkle fresh lemon zest or extra Parmesan on top before serving.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Stir cream continuously to prevent scorching. Avoid overcooking asparagus to maintain snap and vibrancy. Fresh Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated. For dairy-free, use coconut or cashew cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently with added cream or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy asparagus pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, spring pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal

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