Description

This creamy lemon asparagus pasta with peas & parmesan bursts with flavor and freshness, making it an ideal quick dinner. It’s simple to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients, perfect for any meal.

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 for garnishing

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Instructions

Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. A few minutes before the pasta finishes, add the asparagus and cook until al dente. Before draining, add the frozen peas to soften them. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water, then drain.
In the meantime, cook the pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. If necessary, add a teaspoon of oil to the pan.
Remove the pancetta and drain on paper towels, leaving excess fat in the skillet.
To make the Lemon Pasta Sauce, melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat, then stir in the flour and whisk for about a minute.
Gradually pour in the wine or broth while whisking until it thickens. Then add the heavy cream and continue to whisk until thickened.
Mix in the garlic powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the pancetta, drained pasta, asparagus, and peas in the skillet, tossing gently to combine.
If necessary, add some reserved cooking water to achieve a creamier sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil.

Notes

For fresh peas, add them at the same time you add the asparagus to the pasta.
Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring a balance of flavors with lemon and cheese.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 560
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 90mg