Lemon Asparagus Pasta

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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.

Active Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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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.

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