Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Trim 1 pound asparagus and cut crosswise on a slight diagonal into 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups). Mince 4 garlic cloves. Finely grate the zest of 1 medium lemon (about 1 tablespoon). Juice the lemon until you have 3 tablespoons. ​​Finely grate 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 packed cup) or measure out 1/3 cup store-bought grated.

Step 2

Add 1 pound dried pasta to the boiling water and cook 1 minute less than al dente, about 9 minutes or according to package instructions. Meanwhile, cook the asparagus.

Step 3

Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the asparagus, 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Sauté until the asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.

Step 4

Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the pasta, remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and reserved pasta water. Cook, tossing and stirring the pasta, until the pasta is al dente and almost all of the pasta water is absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the pan from the heat. Add the Parmesan and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and toss to combine. Serve garnished with more grated Parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves if desired.