Zesty Spring Asparagus Angel Hair
Embrace the essence of spring with our vibrant Zesty Spring Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta. This delightful dish captures the freshness of asparagus, enhanced by the aromatic combination of garlic and shallots, while the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice brings everything to life. Perfectly paired with al dente angel hair pasta and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe is not just a meal, but an experience! Ideal for a light lunch or dinner, it’s quick to prepare and embodies the spirit of the season, making it a perfect selection for your next gathering or a weeknight feast. Let each bite transport you to sunlit farmers' markets bursting with flavor.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Asparagus
2 lbs (Rinsed and trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces and julienned)
Salt
to taste (for boiling water and seasoning)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic
8 cloves (shaved thin and julienned)
Shallots
1 cup (peeled and julienned)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 pinch (for flavor)
Lemon Juice
2 lemons (freshly squeezed)
Chives
3/4 cup (fresh and chopped fine)
Angel Hair Pasta
1 lb (dry)
Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Rinse the asparagus thoroughly and trim the bottom inch from each stalk. Cut the tips into 2-inch pieces and julienne the remaining stems. Set aside.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. This will be used to cook the pasta.
3
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shaved garlic, julienned shallots, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until the garlic and shallots are tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, ensuring they do not brown.
4
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and allow it to simmer, reducing the mixture by half for about 2-3 minutes.
5
Once the pot of water is boiling, add the angel hair pasta and the asparagus tips. Cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 3-4 minutes. Be attentive to avoid overcooking.
6
After draining the pasta, add it to the skillet with the sautéed garlic and shallots, tossing to combine.
7
While the pasta cooks, add the julienned asparagus stems to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to wilt but retain their vibrant color.
8
Incorporate the chopped chives into the skillet with the pasta. Continue tossing until any remaining water has evaporated and all ingredients are well combined.
9
Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
10
Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra chives or lemon zest for an added fresh touch if desired.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
40
Carbs
8.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spring Asparagus Angel Hair?
It is a vibrant spring pasta dish featuring fresh asparagus, garlic, shallots, and a bright lemon juice sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
How should I prepare the asparagus?
Rinse and trim the bottom inch, then cut the tips into 2-inch pieces and julienne the remaining stems.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of dry angel hair pasta.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 8 cloves of garlic, shaved thin and julienned.
How many shallots are needed for the dish?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of peeled and julienned shallots.
What is the role of lemon juice in this recipe?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice from 2 lemons provides bright acidity and is simmered to reduce by half for the sauce.
How long should I cook the angel hair pasta?
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for approximately 3-4 minutes until it is al dente.
When should I add the asparagus tips to the cooking process?
Add the asparagus tips to the boiling water at the same time you add the angel hair pasta.
How do I cook the julienned asparagus stems?
Sauté the julienned stems in the skillet for 2-3 minutes until they begin to wilt while the pasta is boiling.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this dish spicy?
It includes a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of flavor.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What fresh herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 3/4 cup of fresh, finely chopped chives.
What are the nutritional values for fat and protein?
The dish contains 10g of fat and 8.3g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
When is the Parmesan cheese added to the pasta?
Fold in the Parmesan cheese after removing the pasta from the heat.
How long should I sauté the garlic and shallots?
Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until tender and fragrant, but do not let them brown.
What is the suggested garnish for this dish?
Garnish with extra chives or lemon zest for an added fresh touch.
What is the total weight of asparagus needed?
You will need 2 lbs of fresh asparagus.
Can I prepare this dish quickly?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick and easy recipe, ideal for weeknights.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, asparagus, vegetarian, spring recipe, light meal, and farmer's market.
How do I ensure the pasta doesn't get overcooked?
Be attentive and cook for only 3-4 minutes, as angel hair pasta cooks very quickly.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
What should the texture of the asparagus stems be?
The stems should be sautéed until they begin to wilt but still retain their vibrant color.
What are the seasoning requirements?
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How much lemon juice should remain after simmering?
The lemon juice should be reduced by half before adding the pasta.
When do I add the chives?
Incorporate the chopped chives into the skillet with the pasta and toss until all ingredients are well combined.