Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Ingredients

• linguine (dry) — 200g
• asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed — 200g
• extra virgin olive oil — 30ml
• parmesan cheese, finely grated — 40g
• lemon, zest and juice — 1 medium
• garlic, minced — 2 cloves
• chilli flakes — 0.5 tsp

Method

1. 1

   Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil and add the linguine. Cook according to packet instructions.

2. 2

   Three minutes before the pasta is finished, add the asparagus spears to the boiling water.

3. 3

   While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and add the garlic and chilli flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. 4

   Drain the pasta and asparagus, reserving 50ml of the starchy pasta water.

5. 5

   Add the pasta, asparagus, lemon juice, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water to the frying pan.

6. 6

   Toss everything together over low heat for 1 minute, then stir in the grated parmesan until a light, silky sauce forms.