Pasta With Asparagus And Creamy Lemon Sauce
A light, creamy pasta dish with tender asparagus and zesty lemon flavor, perfect for spring dinners or a quick, fresh vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. uncooked angel hair pasta ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups sliced asparagus (about 1 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup fat-free milk ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh or dried dill ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling water for 4 minutes.
- Add the sliced asparagus and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until tender.
- Drain the pasta and asparagus.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped green onions and cook until softened.
- Stir in grated lemon rind, lemon juice, and fat-free milk.
- In a small bowl, whisk eggs, then slowly add to the saucepan, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add chopped dill and salt, then mix well.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta and asparagus, serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the creamy lemon sauce, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth or substituting half-and-half for the fat-free milk for a richer taste. Fresh asparagus can be swapped with broccoli or peas if desired. For a vegetarian twist, you might include sautéed mushrooms or spinach. This dish can be inspired by other Italian recipes, providing a delightful variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra lemon zest and fresh dill for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Parmesan Meatballs for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the dish or alter the sauce consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Asparagus And Creamy Lemon Sauce contains roughly 888 calories, with 9g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and combine it with the pasta and asparagus. This will help maintain the texture and flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to achieve a similar creamy effect in the sauce. Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk option, such as almond or oat milk, for a delicious vegan version.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These additions will not only boost the nutritional value but also complement the flavors of the creamy lemon sauce beautifully. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if using meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).