As spring rolls in and we begin to see the first signs of fresh produce, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a light, vibrant dish like Pasta with Asparagus. This recipe is one of our absolute favorites because it’s simple, elegant, and packed with the fresh flavors of the season. With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal.
The inspiration for this dish came during a recent stroll through the farmers’ market, where the asparagus was beautiful—crisp, fresh, and begging to be turned into something special. Asparagus is one of those vegetables that shines on its own, but paired with pasta, it becomes even more delightful. We couldn’t resist creating a recipe that highlights the bright, grassy flavor of asparagus in a satisfying yet uncomplicated way. 🌱
🌿 Why We Love This Pasta with Asparagus
✔️ Fresh & Seasonal – Perfect for spring, asparagus is the star of this dish and offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
✔️ Quick & Easy – This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy days.
✔️ Simple Yet Elegant – Just a few ingredients come together to make a dish that feels indulgent but is still light.
✔️ Vegan & Healthy – Packed with veggies and made without dairy, it’s both delicious and nourishing.
💡 Fun Fact: Asparagus is a great source of folate, a vitamin that supports healthy cell function and is especially important for pregnant women.
🍝 The Perfect Pasta Pairing
For this dish, we love using spaghetti or linguine, but feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape. The key is to choose a pasta that’s long and slender, so it can easily capture the flavorful sauce and asparagus pieces. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed, making this dish perfect for all dietary preferences.
💡 Tip: For extra texture, try using whole wheat pasta for a nuttier flavor and added fiber!
🌱 Fresh Asparagus: The Star of the Show
Asparagus is the true star of this dish. The fresh stalks are lightly blanched to retain their crisp-tender texture, keeping their bright green color and vibrant flavor. We love slicing the asparagus into bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to mix through the pasta, creating the perfect bite every time.
💡 Pro Tip: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus by gently bending the stalks. The asparagus will naturally break where the tough part ends, ensuring you don’t waste any of the tender goodness!
🧄 Adding Flavor with Garlic
Garlic is another key ingredient in this dish, adding that perfect depth of flavor without overwhelming the asparagus. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, just enough to bring out its natural sweetness, before tossing it with the cooked asparagus and pasta. The combination of garlic and asparagus is simple but so satisfying.
💡 Fun Tip: If you love garlic, don’t be afraid to add a bit more! Just be mindful not to burn it—light golden is the sweet spot.
🍋 A Zesty Finish
To finish off this Pasta with Asparagus, we love a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The acidity brightens up the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the garlic and asparagus while bringing the flavors into perfect balance. Plus, a little lemon zest can add a subtle citrusy kick to round everything out.
💡 Pro Tip: For a touch of freshness, you can also sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving!
🧀 Optional Vegan Parmesan
For those who love a cheesy finish, we recommend a sprinkle of vegan parmesan. It adds a bit of saltiness and richness without overpowering the lightness of the dish. Whether you buy it pre-made or make your own, vegan parmesan can be the perfect finishing touch to this simple, yet elegant pasta.
💡 Tip: If you don’t have vegan parmesan, try toasted pine nuts for a crunchy, nutty alternative!
🍽️ A Simple, Satisfying Meal
We absolutely adore this Pasta with Asparagus for its simplicity and freshness. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for spring, highlighting the beauty of in-season produce without being complicated or heavy. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to friends, this dish is sure to impress with its clean, delicious flavors.
💡 Want to make it a complete meal? Add a side of garlicky roasted veggies or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta e.g., tagliatelle or spaghetti
- 500 g green asparagus
- 250 g cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- 100 ml white wine optional
- 100 g freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- A few basil leaves for garnish
- Chili flakes to taste optional
Instructions
- Prepare Asparagus: Remove the woody bottom part of the asparagus and cut the stalks into about 3 cm long pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of the cooking water.
- Sauté Asparagus: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until almost tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Wine: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes. Add the white wine and let it cook until the liquid has somewhat reduced.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Add a little of the reserved cooking water to make the sauce nice and smooth. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Refine with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta and mix well until the cheese has melted and the pasta is nicely coated.
- Serve: Distribute the pasta onto plates and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, basil leaves, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of cream or a few tablespoons of ricotta.
- This recipe is easily varied by adding, for example, roasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Pasta with Asparagus
🍝 Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! You can swap the pasta for any type you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Choose what you enjoy most!
🥦 Can I Use Frozen Asparagus Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen asparagus works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
🌿 What Herbs Pair Best with This Dish?
Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme complement the asparagus beautifully and add an extra layer of flavor. A touch of garlic also elevates the dish!
🧄 How Can I Add More Flavor to the Sauce?
A squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of nutritional yeast, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add extra brightness and depth. You can also finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil for richness.
🔥 Can I Add More Vegetables to This Pasta?
Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes are great additions for extra flavor and color.
🌡️ How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of plant-based milk or vegetable broth to keep the pasta creamy.
We hope these tips help you enjoy the perfect Pasta with Asparagus! Enjoy your meal! 🍝🌿🥦
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