It’s Spring and the asparagus looks great in the grocery stores in Indiana! Seeing this beautiful asparagus had me inspired to do something with these beauties this week. My husband and I love asparagus…the kids, not so much. I ask that they taste everything that I prepare, but if it’s something I know they don’t like, I just leave it off of their plates. š
We enjoy pasta and traditional tomato sauce isn’t my favorite, with a few exceptions, so I try really hard to change things up. Tonight I’m making a lemony peppery sauce with fresh parmesan cheese to coat the angel hair pasta and steamed asparagus. You in?! This recipe is simple, comes together in less than 30 minutes and its packed FULL of flavor from the bright lemon to the pepper to the cheese. Let’s do it…
While your pasta water is coming to a boil, trim and cut the asparagus and get it in the microwave to steam so it’s ready when you need it. (No mom guilt for using the microwave, friends) You can also get the lemon and olive oil mixture together because the pasta cooks quickly and you want this to be ready when the pasta is done. When the pasta is fully cooked, drain and reserve your pasta water and then toss into the lemon and olive oil mixture. Stir to coat. Add the asparagus and combine. Taste, adjust seasonings if necessary aannnnd…done! It’s really that simple, you guys!
This is a great meal as it is, however some added chicken breast would be delicious. š If you’re not a fan of asparagus, you could change it out for broccoli or zucchini and it would be equally as yummy!
Please let me know in the comments below what you think of this dish! If you make this lemon pepper angel hair pasta with asparagus, SHOW ME! Tag #mybusykitchen and I’ll share your pics!
Thank you for stopping by My Busy Kitchen! – Tiffany
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
- 1/2 lb angel hair pasta
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (must be fresh!)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- zest from 1/2 lemon (be careful not to get the bitter white part!)
- salt to taste
-
Boil water for pasta and generously salt. Cook according to package - mine took 4 minutes.
-
Trim and cut asparagus into 1" pieces. Place in microwave-safe bowl with 1 tbsp water and steam for 3 minutes.
-
Add the following to a large mixing bowl: lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, parmesan and pepper. Whisk to combine all ingredients.
-
When the pasta is complete, drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Immediately toss pasta into the lemon mixture. Add reserved pasta water and combine all ingredients.
-
Add steamed asparagus and toss to combine.
-
TASTE! You may need to add some salt!
-
Enjoy immediately! š
Good stuff!