Description
Fresh asparagus pasta with garlic, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes comes together in just 20 minutes. This simple weeknight dinner combines tender vegetables with perfectly cooked spaghetti in a light, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1.5 inch pieces
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Wash asparagus and snap off tough ends. Cut into 1.5-inch pieces for easy eating.
2. Bring salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package directions.
3. Add asparagus to pasta water during last 2 minutes. Cook until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
4. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add asparagus to garlic oil. Transfer pasta to skillet with tongs while adding reserved water gradually.
6. Stir in Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss until creamy and serve immediately.
Notes
Fresh asparagus makes this dish shine. Choose firm stalks with tight tips.
Freshly minced garlic beats pre-minced for flavor. Sauté quickly to avoid burning.
Reserved pasta water is key. The starchy liquid helps sauce cling to noodles perfectly.
Grate Parmesan fresh for best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 12mg