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Fresh Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Creamy Burrata

fresh lemon asparagus pasta - featured image

A quick and easy spring pasta dish featuring bright lemon, crisp asparagus, and creamy burrata cheese for a fresh and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 bunch (about 1 pound/450 grams) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) burrata cheese, torn into pieces
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley, roughly chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts (3.8 L) of water.
  2. Trim and cut the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends and cutting the remaining stalks into roughly 2-inch pieces.
  3. Cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes for spaghetti. Stir occasionally.
  4. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add asparagus to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp.
  6. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with asparagus and garlic.
  7. Toss the pasta with asparagus, adding lemon zest and juice. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time to help the sauce come together, tossing until pasta is coated and glossy.
  8. Remove from heat and add torn burrata pieces. Stir gently to combine without overmixing to keep pockets of burrata intact.
  9. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and grated Parmesan if using.
  10. Serve immediately while burrata is still melting into the pasta.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce without cream. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Tear burrata into chunks to create creamy pockets. If asparagus isn’t tender enough, cover skillet briefly to steam. Warm serving plates to keep pasta hot longer. Optional toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios add nice texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon asparagus pasta, creamy burrata pasta, spring pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta