Are you ready to elevate your pasta game to a whole new level? Dive into the vibrant flavors of our Lemony Brown Butter Asparagus Penne, a delightful dish that combines the nutty richness of brown butter with the fresh zest of lemon and the crispness of asparagus. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a meal that not only pleases the palate but also impresses your guests. With its Italian roots and a burst of citrusy goodness, this recipe is the perfect way to celebrate spring or simply indulge in a comforting bowl of pasta. Read on to discover how to create this culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add penne pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, trim asparagus by cutting off the tough woody ends. Cut asparagus into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking butter, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add asparagus to brown butter, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with asparagus and brown butter.
- Zest the entire lemon over the pasta, then squeeze its juice into the skillet.
- Toss pasta and asparagus together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce. Ensure everything is well coated.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Gently mix to incorporate.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan and lemon zest if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your boiling water generously; it should taste like the sea. This is crucial for flavoring the pasta itself.
- Al Dente is Key: For the best texture, cook the penne until al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it, which will complement the tender asparagus perfectly.
- Brown Butter Magic: Keep an eye on the butter as it melts. The transformation from golden to brown happens quickly, and you want to catch it right before it burns for that nutty flavor.
- Asparagus Timing: Don’t overcook the asparagus; you want it to be bright green and tender-crisp. This will add a lovely crunch to your dish.
- Zest and Juice: Zesting the lemon before juicing ensures you get all the aromatic oils from the peel, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Sauce Consistency: If the pasta seems too dry after mixing everything together, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Cheese Galore: Don’t skimp on the parmesan! Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness that ties the dish together.
- Garnish for Flair: For an extra touch, garnish your plate with additional lemon zest and parmesan right before serving. It not only looks beautiful but also adds a fresh burst of flavor.With these tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering this delicious recipe. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 50mg
