Description
This Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Peas & Parmesan is bursting with flavor and easy to make. Enjoy a quick, wholesome meal that combines fresh asparagus, sweet peas, and creamy sauce!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 8 asparagus spears (chopped into about 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh peas if they are in season)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
- 8 ounces pancetta (diced)
- 2 tablespoons butter (preferably unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/4 cup white wine or broth (chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- salt & pepper to taste
- chopped fresh parsley or basil and parmesan cheese for garnishing.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions. A few minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus and finish cooking until the pasta is al dente. Before draining, add the frozen peas to the pot to defrost them. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil to grease the skillet if needed. Cook the pancetta until crispy.
- Transfer the crispy pancetta to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet used for cooking pancetta.
- For the sauce, melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour for about a minute.
- Slowly pour in the white wine or broth while whisking continuously until it begins to thicken. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking until it thickens.
- Mix in the garlic powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the crispy pancetta, drained pasta, asparagus, and peas in the skillet, tossing gently to combine.
- If you prefer a creamier consistency, add some reserved cooking water.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil.
Notes
If using fresh peas, add them directly to the pot a minute before draining the pasta to ensure they remain tender.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg