Lemon Parmesan Spaghetti with Asparagus
A bright, simple pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and a savory cheese sauce made without cream. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, juiced lemon
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1/4 cup, reserved pasta water
Instructions
- 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 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb trimmed asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss until sauce coats pasta and asparagus evenly, about 1 minute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Parmesan Spaghetti with Asparagus 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 Parmesan Spaghetti 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Parmesan Spaghetti 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 Parmesan Spaghetti with 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 Parmesan Spaghetti 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family went crazy for this! The lemon parmesan sauce is so fresh and the asparagus adds a nice crunch.
- ★★★★★
This was a perfect weeknight dinner! The lemon and parmesan really brightened up the asparagus. Made it for my husband and he loved it too.
- ★★★★☆
Simple and delicious. The asparagus was tender and the lemon flavor was just right.
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