Lemon Asparagus Spaghetti

A bright and delicious recipe for Lemon Asparagus Spaghetti that combines fresh asparagus with the zing of lemon and the richness of olive oil. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for spring or any time you want a light, refreshing meal!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for serving)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Asparagus:
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking and sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Make the Lemon Sauce:
   • Once the asparagus and garlic are cooked, add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the asparagus.
   • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pasta. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
4. Finish the Dish:
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
5. Serve:
   • Plate the pasta, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Enjoy!
   • Your Lemon Asparagus Spaghetti is ready to serve! It’s a refreshing, light, and zesty dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.

This recipe is simple yet satisfying, and you can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and protein if you’d like. Enjoy!