Description
This Spring Asparagus Mushroom Pasta is a fresh and comforting dish made with tender asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a light creamy sauce. Enhanced with garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful seasonal meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the chopped shallot and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in the asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Season with dried thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and a splash of reserved pasta water, stirring to create a light sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of water or cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 20mg