Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz. dried pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
- 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 10 oz.)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In the meantime, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and asparagus pieces, cooking until asparagus is bright green and just tender, about 5 minutes.
- When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, season the asparagus with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- When pasta is cooked to desired tenderness, drain and add to the skillet with asparagus.
- Toss pasta and asparagus together until well combined.
- Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutritional Information: (per serving without parmesan cheese)
Calories: about 300
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 3g
(Please note that nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used and serving size.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Bright and fresh taste with a citrusy lemon kick.
- Asparagus adds a spring-like touch of freshness.
- Simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a light dinner.
User Comments:
- "This dish was refreshing and delicious! The lemon and asparagus pair perfectly."
- "I loved the combination of flavors. The asparagus was cooked to perfection."
- "Simple yet elegant dish that was a hit with my guests."
- "Great dish for a summer evening meal."
- "A perfect blend of flavors - the lemon brightened up the asparagus and pasta."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use fresh asparagus for best results. If using canned or frozen asparagus, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Lemon zest adds a citrusy element; if you don't have a zester, you can use the fine side of a box grater to grate the lemon rind.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lemon juice or salt if needed.
