Pasta with green asparagus
When life gives you fresh asparagus, make pasta! This quick and easy recipe combines crisp green asparagus, creamy crème fraîche, and aromatic dill, all twirled up in al dente tagliatelle. Topped with a sprinkle of lemon zest, pasta with green asparagus is the perfect combination of fresh and bright ingredients that feel fancy but are quick to prepare.
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Ingredients
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Tagliatelle
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250 g |
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Green asparagus
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500 g |
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Shallot
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1 |
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Garlic clove
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1 |
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Vegetable stock
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150 ml |
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Creme fraiche
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100 g |
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Salt
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Pepper
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Olive oil
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Dill, finely chopped
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Lemon zest
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Choose the freshest asparagus
Look for asparagus with a bright green colour, firm stems, and tightly closed tips. Avoid any with brittle, overly woody, or discoloured stalks. To keep them fresh, trim the ends, place the asparagus upright in a container with some water at the bottom, and refrigerate.
Get al dente pasta
Boil your tagliatelle in a big pot of salted water. Dry ribbons of pasta usually take around 7–8 minutes, but start tasting a strand about a minute early to make sure it has that firm-but-not-hard bite. Fresh pasta is much quicker – just 2–3 minutes. Once it is just right, drain the pasta immediately to stop it from overcooking due to residual heat.
Proper use of crème fraiche
Add crème fraiche after removing the pan from the heat to get a smooth and creamy sauce. Ensure it is at room temperature, as cold crème fraiche can cause curdling when added to hot ingredients.
Use pasta water
Before draining your pasta, save about one cup of the starchy water. The starch helps bind the sauce to the tagliatelle, creating a creamy, light consistency that clings to every strand. It also adds moisture without relying on extra oil, keeping the flavours balanced and the texture smooth. Add the water in small amounts while mixing to achieve the desired consistency.
FAQ: Questions about pasta with green asparagus
Find answers to common questions about pasta with green asparagus below.
Can I prepare pasta with green asparagus ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare pasta with green asparagus in advance, though it is at its best when served fresh. To make it ahead, cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, then cool it quickly under cold water and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare the sauce as usual and let it cool before refrigerating it in a separate container. When you are ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently in a pan, adding a splash of stock or water to loosen it if needed. Add the pasta to the pan and toss until heated through.
How should I store leftover pasta with green asparagus?
To store leftover pasta with green asparagus, first allow it to cool completely to prevent condensation in the container. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and flavourful for up to 3 days.
How to reheat leftover pasta with green asparagus?
Reheat leftover pasta with green asparagus gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce and restore its texture.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1277 Kcal
| Fibre | 20.8 gram fibers |
| Protein | 44.5 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 194.8 gram |
| Fat | 34.4 gram |
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Make creamy pasta with green asparagus
If there is one recipe that proves simplicity can be marvellous, it is this creamy pasta with green asparagus. Whether you are cooking for yourself or trying to impress dinner guests, this dish is a dream for anyone who loves quick meals that do not skimp on flavour.
The tender tagliatelle is coated in a creamy sauce, while the crisp green asparagus adds a subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
If you love asparagus, explore more recipes like our delectable asparagus quiche, classic bacon-wrapped asparagus, or courgette and asparagus salad.
Crème fraiche for a silky-smooth sauce
What makes this pasta so irresistible? It is definitely the creamy sauce made with crème fraiche. It lends its signature tangy richness that sets it apart from heavier creams. It perfectly balances the taste of the asparagus while creating a silky coating that clings beautifully to each strand of tagliatelle. But the best part is that it still allows the other ingredients to shine on their own.
Refreshing taste from zesty lemon and aromatic dill
For a refreshing and aromatic finish, we add a bit of lemon zest and dill. The bright, citrusy zest cuts through the creaminess, adding a zing of freshness that wakes up your palate. Dill has an almost anise-like flavour that helps tie everything together. Sprinkle them generously over your plate, and you will find yourself savouring every forkful.
An easy favourite for your dinner table
This pasta with green asparagus deserves a permanent spot on your dinner table. It is easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but fancy enough to serve at a dinner party without breaking a sweat. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it is both stress-free and satisfying. Plus, you can easily pair it with a crisp salad, some crusty bread, or even some grilled salmon or roasted chicken.
Put your own spin on it
Swap the tagliatelle for shorter pasta like fusilli or penne, which provide a heartier bite, or go for long pasta such as spaghetti for a more traditional feel.
Try adding finely chopped sundried tomatoes for a subtle sweetness or a handful of capers to introduce a salty, briny edge. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in dried chilli flakes that cut through the sauce's creaminess.
If crème fraiche is unavailable, mascarpone or cream cheese are great alternatives. Mascarpone delivers a buttery richness, while cream cheese adds a slightly tangy character. Both options will keep the sauce creamy but may have a somewhat thicker consistency compared to crème fraiche.
To explore more flavours, try a pinch of nutmeg for gentle warmth or a bit of garlic powder to add a savoury taste.
