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Campanelle Pasta with Asparagus, Lemon and Parmesan

Campanelle Pasta with Asparagus, Lemon and Parmesan

We use the combination of cream, asparagus, and lemon often—this springtime pasta is a perfect reason why!

By Elizabeth MindreauSeptember 3, 2021

  • Makes
    6 servings
  • Cook Time
    30 minutes
  • Rating

This springtime pasta dish is an elegant supper yet a one-pot affair; the pasta and asparagus start independently but finish together, simmered with half-and-half, so their flavors mix and meld. Be sure to purchase pencil-thick asparagus so the spears cook in the time indicated and are a good size match for the pasta. You will need 2 pounds for this recipe; typically a bunch weighs about 1 pound. Penne and campanelle are our favored pasta shapes for this, but fusilli and gemelli are good, too.

Tip

Don’t boil the pasta until al dente. Drain it when it’s just shy of al dente, and remember to reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water. The noodles will finish cooking with the ingredients that form the sauce. The starchy reserved cooking water is used to thin the sauce so it lightly coats the pasta.

Ingredients
  • 1

    pound campanelle OR penne pasta

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 1

    tablespoon salted butter

  • 2

    pounds asparagus (see headnote), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2

    medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 1

    cup half-and-half

  • 2

    ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese OR pecorino Romano cheese (1 cup), plus more to serve

  • 2

    teaspoons grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2

    tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Step 1

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts water to a boil. Stir in the pasta and 1 tablespoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until just shy of al dente.

Reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain.

Step 2

In the same pot over medium-high, melt the butter. Add the asparagus and ½ teaspoon salt, then cook, stirring often, until tender-crisp, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the pasta and the half-and-half, then bring to a simmer.

Reduce to medium and cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the pasta is al dente, 2 to 4 minutes.

Step 3

Off heat, stir in the Parmesan and lemon zest and juice; add reserved pasta water as needed so the sauce is silky and clings to the noodles.

Stir in the chives, then taste and season with salt and pepper.

Serve sprinkled with additional cheese.

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