Name: Lemon Asparagus Pasta
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces whole-wheat penne pasta; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces; 1.5 cups whole milk; 4 teaspoons whole-grain mustard; 4 teaspoons flour; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons minced garlic; 2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon, or 1/2 teaspoon dried; 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Lemon Asparagus Pasta

4.6

(8)

8 Reviews

Lemon zest ties all the flavors together in this light and creamy pasta. Make it a meal: Serve with a salad of sliced fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes tossed with a little fresh basil, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Updated on January 24, 2023

Active Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:

Yield:

4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each

Nutrition Profile:

Bone Health Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Healthy Pregnancy High-Protein Low Added Sugars Low-Calorie Vegetarian

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

8 ounces whole-wheat penne pasta
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 ½ cups whole milk
4 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
4 teaspoons flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon juice
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 3 minutes less than the package directions. Add asparagus and continue cooking until the pasta and asparagus are just tender, 3 minutes more. Drain and return to the pot.
Meanwhile, whisk milk, mustard, flour, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant and lightly browned, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk in the milk mixture. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tarragon, lemon zest and juice.
Stir the sauce into the pasta-asparagus mixture. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sauce is thick, creamy and coats the pasta, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan. Divide the pasta among 4 bowls and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

359	Calories
10g	Fat
56g	Carbs
17g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 1/2 cups
Calories 359
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 56g	20%
Dietary Fiber 7g	24%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 17g	35%
Total Fat 10g	12%
Saturated Fat 4g	19%
Cholesterol 18mg	6%
Vitamin A 1200IU	24%
Vitamin C 11mg	12%
Folate 161mcg	40%
Sodium 632mg	27%
Calcium 253mg	19%
Iron 3mg	17%
Magnesium 76mg	18%
Potassium 466mg	10%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.