Imagine a plate that captures the essence of spring in every single bite - crisp vegetables dancing with perfectly cooked pasta, bursting with bright lemon notes and earthy mushroom undertones. This Spring Pasta isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of seasonal freshness that will revolutionize your weeknight cooking and transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Italian countryside. Whether you're a busy professional seeking a quick gourmet meal or a home cook craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to be your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon, setting both aside for later use.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and starting to brown.
- Next, add the chopped asparagus and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, add the peas and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender and bright in color.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine all the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- To serve, plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Spring Pasta with Asparagus, Peas, Mushrooms, and Lemon warm!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook your vegetables - they should remain crisp and retain their bright colors.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like fusilli or penne.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor impact.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving to ensure perfect balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
