Parker Feierbach

Lemony Asparagus Pasta

By Judy KimPublished: Mar 21, 2019

Asparagus season may run through the spring months from March to June but it hits its prime in April. If you can get your hands on some quality in-season asparagus, give this recipe a try. We shine a spotlight on the star ingredient with a supporting cast of creamy white wine sauce, deeply infused with fragrant lemony notes and a nice salty Parmesan kick.

The key to acing this dish is to cook the asparagus until its tips are crispy and stalks slightly blistered. The slight char will add a whole other dimension to the enticing flavour of this vegetable.

And if you like this recipe, take it to the next level with our Lemony Asparagus Chicken Pasta!

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Yields:: 4 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 20 mins
Total Time:: 40 mins

Ingredients

450 g
penne pasta
450 g
thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 5cm pieces
3 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
1
small onion, diced
2
cloves garlic, thinly sliced
120 ml
double cream
240 ml
dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
1
lemon, zested and juiced
1 tsp.
salt
50 g
freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/2 tsp.
freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
5 g
fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp.
crushed chilli flakes

Directions

1. Step 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Reserve 120ml pasta water, then drain. Set aside.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, in a large pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Cook asparagus until crispy, then season with pinch of salt. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Step 3Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Cook onions and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add double cream, white wine, lemon juice, and zest. Bring mixture to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Add in salt, Parmesan, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and mix until well combined.
4. Step 4Turn off heat and mix in pasta, asparagus, and parsley until well coated. Add small amounts of pasta water until you reach desired consistency. Serve with more grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and chilli flakes.