Easy Parmesan Asparagus Pasta with Creamy Sauce

The trick to hiding vegetables is deliciously in plain sight!

A wonderful, springy side to your favorite proteins, this pasta is the perfect way to get a full serving of greens without compromising on satisfaction or flavor. We’re talking about asparagus blended with garlic, fresh lemon juice and zest, salt, and olive oil to make a velvety, creamy sauce that you’ll want to scoop up with every bite. And the best part? It all comes together in one pot—simple, easy, and absolutely delicious.

Why I’m Totally OBSESSED with this Asparagus Pasta!

This Easy Parmesan Asparagus Pasta with Creamy Sauce is everything I want in a dish—simple, fresh, comforting, and somehow still packed with nutrients. I seriously can’t get enough of how easy it is to make, and the flavors? Out of this world. The asparagus sauce is so velvety and rich, and the lemon and garlic bring this fresh burst of flavor that keeps it light yet indulgent at the same time. Plus, it’s the perfect way to sneak in some greens without anyone even noticing (or complaining)!

Fresh Asparagus is Key

Let’s talk about fresh asparagus for a sec. This veggie often gets lost in the shuffle, but trust me—when it comes to pasta recipes, it’s a total superstar. Not only is it packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but it also adds a vibrant freshness that’ll take your dish to the next level. In this recipe, I chop up a bunch of asparagus into 1-inch pieces (don’t forget to save those tips for later!)—and it cooks down just perfectly to create a velvety, creamy sauce. Fresh asparagus cooks fast, letting its natural flavor shine while keeping that satisfying crisp texture. So go ahead, add that fresh, earthy crunch—every bite will be worth it!

What You’ll Need for This Heavenly Pasta:

  • Asparagus, cut into 1” pieces, tips reserved
  • Garlic cloves, chopped
  • Lemon (zest and juice)
  • Kosher salt
  • Olive oil
  • Pasta of your choice (I love @eatbanza!)
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Black pepper to taste

Full recipe measurements can be found in the recipe card below!

You can watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram, here!

Here’s how you’ll make my Asparagus Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt to the pot.
  2. Add in the cut asparagus, except for the tips, and let cook 3-4 minutes. Remove from water with a slotted spoon and place into the bowl of your food processor.
  3. In the same water, boil asparagus tips and cook 2-3 minutes. Remove with same slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. In the same boiling water, add a sprinkle of salt and then add pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  5. In a food processor, add chopped garlic, zest from a whole lemon, juice from 1/2 lemon, and teaspoon of salt, and olive oil, and blend until smooth.
  6. Drain pasta and add to a serving bowl. Add asparagus sauce, tips, and parmesan cheese.
  7. Toss and enjoy!

Storing Leftovers

Got leftover asparagus pasta? This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to bring back some of that creamy texture. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Swap it + Make it Yours!

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! You can make it your own by trying different additions or swaps based on your preferences or dietary needs:

  • Add protein: If you want to make this a full meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian option like chickpeas or tofu.
  • Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give this dish a little extra kick, balancing out the creaminess with some heat.
  • Try different pastas: You can swap out the pasta for gluten-free options like rice noodles or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter version or a different pasta shape if you like!

Want More Pasta Dishes?

You can watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram, here!

Savvy Tips + Tricks for the Perfect Creamy Sauce!

  • Use a high-quality olive oil: The olive oil adds depth and richness to the sauce. Go for a good extra virgin olive oil to really enhance the flavor.
  • Save a bit of pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve some of your pasta cooking water before draining it. The starch in the water can help thicken the sauce and make it even creamier.
  • Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce as you go! If you love a little extra brightness, add more lemon juice or zest. And, of course, season generously with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Perfect Meal Pairings

This dish is such a fantastic side, but it also works great as a main dish or paired with other favorites. Here are a few ideas:

  • Grilled chicken, salmon, or steak? Yes, please. Pair this pasta with any of these proteins for a meal that feels balanced but totally indulgent.
  • A light salad with fresh greens like spinach or arugula will complement the creamy pasta beautifully without weighing things down.
  • A glass of crisp white wine—think Sauvignon Blanc—will elevate the flavors, making this light, creamy pasta the perfect match for a refreshing sip. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!

FAQs

While fresh asparagus is definitely the way to go for flavor and texture, I totally get it—sometimes frozen is all you’ve got. No worries! Just make sure to thaw it out first and be aware that the texture might be a little softer than fresh. But hey, it’ll still taste delicious!

Oh yes, you can! This pasta is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat with a splash of water or broth to bring that creamy texture back to life. Easy peasy!

The sky’s the limit here! Use whatever pasta makes your heart sing—whether it’s classic spaghetti, fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. That creamy asparagus sauce will work its magic with any variety. If you’re feeling extra healthy, swap in whole-wheat or chickpea pasta for a twist!

Absolutely! If you’re cutting carbs or going gluten-free, you can totally skip the pasta and opt for zoodles (zucchini noodles), spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice instead. Trust me, the creamy asparagus sauce is so good, it’ll shine no matter what you use as a base!

If you want to make this a heartier meal, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. These additions will complement the creamy sauce and elevate the dish to a full meal.

Yes! To make this dish vegan, swap the parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use olive oil instead of butter, and your creamy asparagus sauce will still turn out amazing.

To wrap things up, this lemon asparagus pasta is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients and simple indulgence. Whether it’s gracing your dinner table as a side dish or stealing the show as the main event, this delicious asparagus pasta is bound to become a fast favorite. The creamy cream sauce and perfectly cooked asparagus make every bite a dream, and it’s just as impressive as it is easy. With little effort and loads of flavor, this easy asparagus pasta is the ultimate delicious dinner solution for busy nights or when you want to treat yourself (or loved ones!) to a creamy asparagus pasta that feels special. This creamy asparagus pasta is truly a simple pasta dish done right.

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you loved this post, I would so appreciate you rating it below and/or leaving a comment! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more recipes, twin mom and healthy lifestyle content!

Asparagus Pasta

The trick to hiding vegetables deliciously in plain sight!
No ratings yet
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Bunch asparagus cut into 1” pieces and tips reserved.
  • 2-3 Cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 Tsp kosher salt
  • 1 Tbsp good olive oil
  • 1 Lb your favorite pasta I like @eatbanza!
  • Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt to the pot.
  • Add in the cut asparagus except for the tips and let cook 3-4 minutes. Remove from water with a slotted spoon and place into the bowl of your food processor.
  • In the same water, boil tips of asparagus and cook 2-3 minutes before removing with slotted spoon.
  • In same boiling water, add another sprinkle of salt before adding pasta. Cook according to package directions.
  • In food processor, add chopped garlic, zest from whole lemon, juice from 1/2 lemon, a teaspoon of salt and olive oil to loosen sauce if needed.
  • Drain pasta and add to a serving bowl. Add asparagus sauce, asparagus tips, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Toss, serve, and enjoy!
Keyword asparagus, lemon, parmesan, pasta
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