Light Asparagus Pasta for Simple Weekly Meal Planning
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Author:sophieb
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy Light Asparagus Pasta for quick weekly meal prep. Discover effortless tips for simple, healthy dinners that impress and satisfy. 153 chars
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz of whole grain pasta
1 bunch (about 1 lb) of fresh asparagus
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of whole grain pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Tip: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.
While the pasta cooks, rinse and trim the ends off the asparagus. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces for even cooking. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
Once the asparagus is tender, stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, and the tomatoes soften. Tip: For a burst of flavor, add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the asparagus mixture. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir in the chopped fresh basil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Tip: If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more pasta water.
Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again to combine all the flavors. Note: For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Plate your Light Asparagus Pasta and enjoy it warm, garnished with additional basil or cheese if desired. This dish can be served solo or paired with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
This Light Asparagus Pasta recipe is your answer to incorporating more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Packed with fresh asparagus and a light sauce, it offers a deliciously satisfying way to enjoy a nutrient-dense meal.
