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gemelli asparagus pasta recipe

Gemelli Asparagus Pasta

Giulia, a passionate food enthusiast at Eat Every Slice, smiling in a bright kitchen filled with fresh ingredients and Italian-American inspiration.Giulia M.
A refreshing and light Italian pasta dish that combines gemelli pasta with fresh asparagus and a zesty lemon sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Large skillet for sautéing
  • 1 zester

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz gemelli pasta
  • 1 lb asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut into 1-inch pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gemelli pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add asparagus and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet with asparagus. Stir in lemon zest and juice, and toss well. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
  • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until well combined.

Serving

  • Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional Parmesan and lemon zest if desired. Serve warm.

Storage

  • Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Grate Parmesan cheese just before use.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute gemelli with penne or fusilli if needed.
How to Serve: Pair with a light salad or crusty bread.
Storage & Freshness: Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prep ingredients in advance for quicker assembly.
Keyword gemelli asparagus pasta, lemon pasta recipe, spring pasta dishes