Why make this recipe
This dish cooks fast and tastes good. It uses fresh asparagus and simple pantry items. It makes a light, creamy meal that works for weeknights or a small dinner. The flavors feel fresh and bright.
Introduction
This Creamy Asparagus Pasta is easy and gentle on the stove. It is a good choice when you want a simple meal with green vegetables. If you like easy pasta salads and quick pasta dishes, try this too: Caesar pasta salad recipe.
How to make Creamy Asparagus Pasta
Cook the pasta first and keep it warm. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add asparagus and broth, and cook until the asparagus is soft. Stir in nutritional yeast, season, and add lemon juice. Toss the pasta with the asparagus mix and serve. Use any short pasta you like — for ideas about shapes and cooking, see this campanelle pasta guide.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add asparagus and vegetable broth. Cook until asparagus is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the asparagus mixture. Toss well to combine.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to serve Creamy Asparagus Pasta
Serve warm on shallow bowls. Add a little extra lemon or a drizzle of olive oil on top. Garnish with chopped parsley. Offer grated cheese or extra nutritional yeast at the table for people who want more flavor.
How to store Creamy Asparagus Pasta
Cool to room temperature before storing. Put in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Tips to make Creamy Asparagus Pasta
- Trim asparagus ends well so you only cook the tender parts.
- Do not overcook the asparagus; keep some bite for texture.
- Save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets dry.
- Add lemon at the end for fresh brightness.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper last.
Variation
- Add peas or spinach for more green color.
- Stir in a little cream or vegan cream for richer sauce.
- Top with toasted nuts for crunch.
- Add cooked chicken or tofu for more protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen asparagus?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain it well, then add a little more cooking time for softness.
Q: Is this dish vegan?
A: Yes, it is vegan if you use nutritional yeast and vegetable broth.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook pasta and asparagus ahead, but toss them right before serving for best texture.
Q: What pasta shape works best?
A: Short pastas like penne, fusilli, or campanelle hold the sauce well.
Conclusion
For another simple creamy asparagus take, see the Creamy Asparagus Pasta – Little Vienna recipe for more ideas. If you want a bright lemon twist, check the Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta – The View from Great Island.
Creamy Asparagus Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice Use any short pasta you like.
Vegetable Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces Trim asparagus ends well to only cook the tender parts.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant.
- 1 cup vegetable broth Use low-sodium if desired.
Flavoring Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast Adds a cheesy flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Add at the end for fresh brightness.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season to preference.
- Fresh parsley for garnish Chopped for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add asparagus and vegetable broth. Cook until asparagus is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the asparagus mixture. Toss well to combine.
Serving
- Serve warm in shallow bowls, garnished with chopped parsley. Add a little extra lemon or a drizzle of olive oil on top.