Lemon-Herb Pasta with Asparagus and Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, light pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and a bright lemon-herb sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. Ready in under 30 minutes for a weeknight hero. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, pound asparagus for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (add 1 tablespoon salt to the water). Add 12 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces) and 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 5-6 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, zest of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss with 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water until sauce coats strands evenly. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve immediately with extra parsley for garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Pasta with Asparagus and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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-Herb Pasta with Asparagus and Parmesan?

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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Pasta with Asparagus and Parmesan?

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-Herb Pasta with Asparagus and Parmesan 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-Herb Pasta with Asparagus and Parmesan?

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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