Introduction
Pasta dishes are a favorite in many households due to their versatility and ease of preparation. One delightful variation is pasta with asparagus, goat cheese, and lemon. This combination offers a symphony of flavors—earthy asparagus, tangy goat cheese, and bright lemon—that come together to create a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste.
Ingredients
To make pasta with asparagus, goat cheese, and lemon, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340g) of pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Salt for seasoning the pasta water
For the Sauce:
- 1 bunch of asparagus (about 1 pound or 450g), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ounces (113g) of soft goat cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining olive oil. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- In the pot used to cook the pasta, add the drained pasta back in along with the goat cheese mixture and the cooked asparagus. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Serve
- Divide the pasta among serving plates. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Conclusion
Pasta with asparagus, goat cheese, and lemon is a delightful dish that showcases simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. The earthiness of the asparagus, the creaminess of the goat cheese, and the brightness of lemon zest and juice elevate this dish beyond ordinary pasta recipes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with different pasta shapes and garnishes to make it your own!