Description

A light and flavorful Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta recipe perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner. Tender asparagus and sautéed mushrooms are combined with garlic and lemon juice, then tossed with bowtie pasta and finished with a touch of butter and olive oil for a creamy texture. This dish is easy to prepare, delicious, and can be enjoyed with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces uncooked bowtie pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Fats & Flavorings

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon (approx. 2 tablespoons)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Topping

Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a few tablespoons of pasta water.
Heat Fats in Skillet: While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until melted and shimmering.
Cook Asparagus: Add the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on asparagus thickness, until tender-crisp.
Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced white mushrooms to the skillet with asparagus. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture.
Flavor the Vegetables: Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors together, stirring occasionally to prevent garlic from burning.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: If desired, add a few tablespoons of the reserved hot pasta water to the skillet to loosen the sauce. Then add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the vegetables and flavors.
Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if using. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can substitute bowtie pasta with any short pasta like penne or farfalle.
If you prefer a vegan option, omit the butter and parmesan cheese or substitute with vegan alternatives.
Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially if using salted pasta water.
Adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
For an extra protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed tofu.