Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 8 ounces asparagus trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese plus extra, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the asparagus, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender.
- Add the cream cheese and mix it gently until melted. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a light, creamy sauce.
- Toss well to combine, adjust seasonings to taste, and garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Plate the pasta and serve immediately while hot.