Description
Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta is a delightful springtime dish featuring tender asparagus tossed in a luscious cream cheese and lemon-infused sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe combines bright citrus flavors with a rich, smooth sauce, making it a comforting yet fresh meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 8.8 ounces cream cheese (one block, softened)
- 1 dash Italian seasoning
- 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into pieces
For Serving (Optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften, which ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Cook Pasta and Prep Asparagus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the stalks into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted and hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Create the Sauce: Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, softened cream cheese, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir frequently, cooking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook Asparagus in Sauce: Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp and the sauce thickens to your preference. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and toss it in the skillet with the asparagus cream sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese before starting helps achieve a silky sauce without lumps.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian.
- Adjust the lemon juice and zest for a more or less pronounced citrus flavor according to your preference.
- For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter or some heavy cream.
- Fresh parsley and Parmesan add nice texture and flavor but are optional based on dietary needs.
