Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz Spaghetti or Linguine
• 1 bunch Asparagus
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes(optional)
• to taste Salt and Black Pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

2. 2

   While pasta cooks, trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces.

3. 3

   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add asparagus and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.

4. 4

   Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. 5

   Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

6. 6

   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the asparagus. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and half of the parmesan cheese.

7. 7

   Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the pasta seems too dry.

8. 8

   Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with remaining parmesan cheese.