Gluten Free Lemon and Asparagus Pasta

With tender asparagus and pasta in a light lemon cream sauce, this gluten free lemon and asparagus pasta makes the perfect dish for any occasion!

In the spring and summer, lighter pasta dishes are the name of the game. And, anything made with asparagus feels gourmet; though, it's really super simple to prepare!

This dish uses only a few simple ingredients to create a fresh and springy pasta dinner!

First, asparagus is lightly pan fried. Then, a light and easy cream sauce is prepared while the pasta boils. Finally, everything comes together in one delightful dish!

Add some protein for a complete meal. This pasta would pair beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp!

For Even More Flavor Consider Adding...

  • White Wine
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Toasted Breadcrumbs
  • Walnuts

gluten free pasta with a creamy lemon sauce and asparagus

Ingredients in Gluten Free Lemon and Asparagus Pasta

  • Olive Oil
  • Gluten Free Pasta
  • Asparagus
  • Garlic
  • Lemon Juice & Zest
  • Light Cream, Heavy Cream, Half and Half, or Milk
  • Optional: chicken

How to Trim Asparagus

This depends a bit on the size. I typically cut off about 1 inch at the bottom. There is another tried and true method that some people swear by.

  1. Pick up one stalk and hold at the middle and thickest end.
  2. Bend until the stalk snaps.
  3. Line up remaining stalks of asparagus and use the first one as a guide for trimming the rest.
  4. You could snap each stalk; however, that will take a much longer time AND you will end up with uneven stalks.

 

Why not eat the whole asparagus stalk?

Technically, you can eat the entire stalk. The thick end will be tough and possibly woody. This is why it is trimmed off before cooking. If you'd like to use the ends, slice or dice to help break up the fibers and use in stir-frys and soups.

Asparagus Nutrition Facts

Not only is asparagus delicious, it also provides many nutrients! In just one cup…

  • 27 calories
  • .2 grams of fat
  • 5 grams of carbs
  • 2.8 grams of fiber
  • 3 grams of protein
  • Good source of Vitamin C and Iron
  • Vitamin K and Folate

white bowls with creamy lemon and asparagus with gluten free pasta

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Gluten Free Lemon and Asparagus Pasta

With tender asparagus and pasta in a light lemon cream sauce, this gluten free lemon and asparagus pasta makes the perfect dish for any occasion!

Prep:
10
min
cook:
15
min
total:
30
min
Author:

Kelly

Ingredients
  • Olive oil
  • 1 lb. asparagus spears, chopped into thirds
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 - 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 c. milk (or 3/4 c. cream and omit half and half)
  • 2 Tbsp. half and half
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 Tbsp.)
  • 6 oz. gluten free pasta
  • Optional: 2 cups of shredded chicken
  • Optional: Parmesan or queso fresco cheese
Instructions
  • Heat a large skillet with 1 Tbsp. of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the asparagus for 4-6 minutes, seasoned with salt and pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Heat pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In the same skillet as the asparagus, add the butter and garlic over medium heat. Once butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes. Then, whisk in the milk/cream/half-and-half. Bring to a boil and allow to cook for 4-6 minutes, until sauce begins to thicken. Turn off the heat. Next, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in about 1/4 cup of pasta water with the sauce. Then, add drained pasta and asparagus and stir. You can also stir in a cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, salmon...) Add more pasta water, if desired. Stir in or garnish with Parmesan cheese (or queso fresco.)

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