Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Recipe by @Tessa_port

Creamy, cheesy, and bright with fresh lemon.

This Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta is an easy vegetarian dinner made with tender pasta, crisp asparagus, garlic, Parmesan, and a rich lemon cream sauce. Fresh and comforting at the same time, it comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy spring meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.
• 2 tablespoons butter.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced, or ½ large yellow onion.
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Salt, to taste.
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
• ¾ cup heavy cream.
• ½ cup vegetable broth.
• Juice of 1 lemon.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve approximately ½ cup of the pasta water.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook until it begins to soften.

Add the asparagus and season with salt and black pepper. Sauté until the asparagus is bright green and tender while still retaining a little bite.

3. Add the Garlic

Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning.

Cook for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

4. Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream and stir to combine.

Add the fresh lemon juice and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for several minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

5. Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat and add the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Stir gently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

6. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet.

Gently toss until the pasta and asparagus are evenly coated in the creamy lemon sauce.

Taste and adjust with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Divide among bowls and finish with freshly grated Parmesan and black pepper.

For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with a little lemon zest before serving.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Asparagus Pasta

This pasta strikes a balance between rich and fresh. Heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a velvety sauce, while fresh lemon keeps the dish bright and asparagus adds color and texture.

Best of all, it takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy vegetarian pasta recipe for busy weeknights.

Cook It With Phantom

Spring cooking, made simple.

A Phantom fry pan gives you plenty of room to sauté the asparagus, build the creamy lemon sauce, and toss everything together with the pasta.

SHOP PHANTOM FRY PANS20 Minute Dinner