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How to Make Pasta with Asparagus and Lemon Sauce - A Step-by-Step Guide

Asparagus is one of those vegetables that just screams spring. Its vibrant green color and unique flavor make it a perfect addition to any seasonal dish. When combined with a zesty lemon sauce and hearty pasta, it becomes the star of the show in this delicious and easy-to-make recipe.

Not only is asparagus delicious, but it's also incredibly healthy. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this vegetable is a great addition to any diet. When paired with the tangy flavor of l...

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Ingredients

  • 2 lemons
  • 1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
  • 5 tablespoons butter, divided
  • ¾ pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth, or more to taste
  • 4 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 pinch white sugar, or to taste
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • ½ cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Zest and juice 1 1/2 lemons. Cut remaining lemon half into wedges and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
  • While penne is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a pot over medium heat and cook asparagus until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and remove from pot.
  • Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter and heat until a pinch of flour sprinkled into the pot will just begin to bubble. Whisk in flour to form a thick paste the consistency of cake frosting. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, for about 5 minutes. Whisk in cream and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Stir lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley into the sauce; season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Add asparagus and heat through, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and penne to the sauce and pour in some of the reserved cooking water. Serve with shaved Parmesan and lemon wedges.

    • Nutrition

    811 cal.

    • Total Fat: 37g
    • Saturated Fat: 22g
    • Cholesterol: 108mg
    • Sodium: 512mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 104g
    • Dietary Fiber: 11g
    • Total Sugars: 9g
    • Protein: 25g
    • Vitamin C: 95mg
    • Calcium: 276mg
    • Iron: 8mg
    • Potassium: 850mg

    Categories

    Main recipes
    Pasta recipes
    Asparagus recipes
    Lemon sauce recipes