Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Roasted Asparagus

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender asparagus and al dente pasta coated in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, finished with fresh herbs for a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, asparagus, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Trim 12 oz asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast at 425°F for 12 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Step 4: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti and roasted asparagus to the skillet. Toss with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until creamy, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Roasted Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Roasted Asparagus?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Roasted Asparagus?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Roasted Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Roasted Asparagus?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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