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Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Peas & Parmesan

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A vibrant and comforting dish combining pasta, fresh asparagus, peas, and a creamy lemon sauce, perfect for any gathering.

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 and parmesan cheese for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. A few minutes before it’s done, add the asparagus and finish cooking until the pasta is ‘al dente.’ Add the frozen peas before draining the pasta to soften them. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
  2. Cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, adding oil if necessary. Remove the pancetta and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.
  3. Drain any fat from the skillet while keeping it over medium heat. Melt the butter in the same skillet.
  4. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for about a minute. Slowly pour in the wine or broth, whisking until the mixture begins to thicken.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream slowly, whisking until it thickens.
  6. Add the garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Toss in the pancetta, drained pasta, asparagus, and peas in the skillet gently. If a creamier consistency is desired, add some of the reserved cooking water.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta and consider adding mushrooms for flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.glutenfreez.com/lemon-asparagus-pasta/