Grilled Lemon Asparagus pasta

Grilled Lemon Asparagus Pasta Recipe

Description

Grilled Lemon Asparagus Pasta is a vibrant, fresh, and delicious dish perfect for spring and summer. This pasta combines smoky grilled asparagus with bright lemon zest and juice, tossed in a light garlic olive oil or creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that can be served warm or cold, making it great for a quick dinner or a picnic.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)

1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil (optional for extra richness)

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup cooked chicken or shrimp for protein
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts for crunch

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and lightly charred.

Remove from the grill and cut into 2-inch pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add grilled asparagus and cherry tomatoes, tossing to combine.

Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of pasta water.

Add the drained pasta and toss well to coat.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter (if using) for extra creaminess.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.

Serve warm or chilled for a refreshing pasta salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 4 Servings)

Note: Adding chicken or shrimp increases protein content.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta tastes great cold as a pasta salad. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. What can I use instead of asparagus?

You can substitute with zucchini, broccoli, green beans, or even spinach for a different variation.

3. How do I make this pasta gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta, such as chickpea or rice pasta.

4. Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu pair well with this recipe.

5. What wine pairs well with this pasta?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and asparagus flavors.

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