Lemon-Infused Fettuccine with Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh fettuccine tossed with tender asparagus and a bright lemon-herb sauce, ready in 25 minutes. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs fettuccine, asparagus, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine and cook for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook for 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water, then simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add drained fettuccine to skillet with asparagus, tossing to coat. Stir in 1/4 cup parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add more pasta water if sauce is too thick, then serve topped with remaining parmesan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Infused Fettuccine with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Infused Fettuccine with 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 fettuccine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Infused Fettuccine with 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-Infused Fettuccine with Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Infused Fettuccine with 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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