Description
This Parmesan Asparagus Mushroom Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish made with tender asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this flavorful pasta combines fresh seasonal ingredients with a velvety sauce that coats every bite beautifully. Simple to prepare yet elegant enough to impress, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 200 g (7 oz) fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
- Add the asparagus pieces and cook for another 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish with fresh parsley and lemon zest, toss gently, and serve warm.
Notes
For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg