Pasta with asparagus, peas, and lemon butter sauce

Pasta with Asparagus, Peas, and Lemon Butter Sauce

If you're looking for a quick and delicious recipe that brings fresh flavors and a vibrant palette of colors to your table, then this recipe for pasta with asparagus, peas, and lemon butter sauce is the perfect choice. It is a dish that combines the simple tastes of fresh ingredients with a touch of refinement brought by the lemon butter sauce.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

- 100 g pasta (preferably wide ribbon pasta/pappardelle)
- 6 pieces of asparagus, cleaned and broken into 3 equal parts
- 1/3 cup peas (you can use frozen peas)
- 1 tablespoon heaping butter (about 25 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium lemon (zest and juice from half)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
- Grated Parmesan for garnish
- A large 2-liter pot filled three-quarters with water and a tablespoon of salt
- A smaller pot (1 liter) with water and a teaspoon of salt

Recipe history:

This recipe for pasta with asparagus and peas has deep roots in culinary tradition, inspired by simple yet elegant dishes that emphasize fresh and seasonal ingredients. Asparagus is a spring ingredient, and peas add natural sweetness, creating a perfect contrast with the lemon butter sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also healthy, offering a generous portion of vitamins and minerals.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the vegetables:
- Place the pots of water over medium to high heat. When the water in the smaller pot begins to boil, add the peas and asparagus. It is important to boil these vegetables for about 5 minutes to retain their crisp texture and vibrant color. If you have ice on hand, you can prepare a bowl of cold water and ice to transfer the vegetables after boiling to stop the cooking process.

2. Boiling the pasta:
- Wait for the water in the larger pot to reach a boiling point. Add the pasta and boil according to the package instructions, usually 6 minutes is enough to achieve an al dente texture.

3. Preparing the sauce:
- While the vegetables and pasta are boiling, take a pan and melt the butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Combining these two fats will add extra flavor and prevent the butter from burning.

4. Combining the ingredients:
- After the vegetables have boiled, drain them well and add them to the pan with butter. Add the salt, lemon pepper, zest, and juice of the lemon. These will add a fresh and vibrant note to the sauce.

5. Finalizing the dish:
- When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the pan, along with 2 tablespoons of the water in which it boiled. Increase the heat and stir all the ingredients well for 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

6. Serving:
- Serve the pasta immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan on top for a creamy touch and intense flavor. This is a dish best enjoyed warm.

Useful tips:

- You can also add other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes or olives, for extra flavor.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can substitute the Parmesan with a vegan alternative.
- For a crunchy texture, you can add toasted nuts or pine seeds over the pasta before serving.

Nutritional values:

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Asparagus and peas are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while whole grain pasta provides complex carbohydrates and fiber. A serving of pasta with asparagus and peas contains about 400-450 calories, depending on the type of pasta used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with any type of pasta you prefer, just make sure to follow the boiling time specified on the package.

2. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
- Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and omitting the Parmesan.

3. How can I store leftovers?
- You can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove before serving again.

4. What other recipes or drinks can be paired with this?
- This pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and a dry white wine or a refreshing herbal tea.

Personal note:

I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who used to tell me that the secret to a good sauce lies in the quality of the ingredients. This is a recipe that you can easily adapt to your preferences. Add a personal touch, whether it's a favorite ingredient or an artistic presentation. Every meal thus becomes a unique experience, full of love and passion.

Enjoy every bite and let the fresh flavors of this recipe carry you away!