Savory Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta with Asparagus

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

Creamy pasta tossed with fresh asparagus, lemon zest, and a fragrant garlic butter sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, asparagus, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 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 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 12 oz cooked asparagus, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 3 tbsp chopped parsley. Cook for 1 minute more until heated through and fragrant.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Savory Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta 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 Savory Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta 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 Savory Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta 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.

Is Savory Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta with Asparagus vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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