Roasted Garlic Asparagus Pasta

Celebrate the arrival of spring with this vibrant Roasted Garlic & Asparagus Pasta. This simple yet flavorful meal features sweet, mellow whole roasted garlic cloves and tender asparagus spears tossed with spaghetti and high-quality olive oil. It is an easy Italian-inspired dish that brings a light, seasonal touch to your dinner table.

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The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By roasting the garlic and asparagus together, you develop deep flavors that perfectly coat the long strands of spaghetti. A touch of lemon zest and fresh parsley adds the final bright note needed to balance the rich olive oil and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 large head garlic
• 1 bunch (about 1 lb / 450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for roasting
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden.

Step 2: Roast the Asparagus

After 15 minutes of roasting the garlic, spread asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the same oven for 12-15 minutes, until just tender.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Paste

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and mash lightly with a fork.

Step 5: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1/4 cup olive oil. Add the mashed garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add roasted asparagus and cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.

Step 7: Season and Finish

Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Don't forget to reserve a bit of the starchy pasta water before draining. This liquid is essential for creating a silky sauce that helps the garlic and oil coat every strand of spaghetti. Ensure the asparagus is cut into uniform pieces so they roast evenly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan-friendly version, simply omit the Parmesan or swap it for a plant-based alternative. To add an extra layer of texture, consider tossing in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts. If you prefer a gluten-free meal, this dish works perfectly with gluten-free spaghetti substitutes.

Serviervorschläge

This Roasted Garlic & Asparagus Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemon zest and green asparagus. Serve it in warmed bowls with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan for a beautiful presentation.

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Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a light weekend lunch, this Roasted Garlic & Asparagus Pasta is a delicious way to enjoy the best flavors of the season with very little effort.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I roast garlic properly?

Slice the top off a garlic head to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 30 minutes until cloves are soft and golden.

→ Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, penne, fusilli, or linguine work well. Spaghetti is traditional but any pasta holds the garlic olive oil sauce beautifully.

→ How do I know when asparagus is done roasting?

Roast for 12-15 minutes at 400°F. Asparagus should be tender when pierced with a fork but still bright green, not mushy.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan?

Try nutritional factors for vegan options, Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or aged Asiago for a nuttier flavor profile.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans make excellent additions. The garlic and asparagus flavors complement most proteins beautifully.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of olive oil to revive the silky texture.