I was inspired to make this from a Lemon Parm Garlic Pasta recipe I saw on Pinterest, but this is my own version...which is actually not very similar to the original. But it was very tasty!
Garlic Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Asparagus
1/2 lb whole wheat pasta
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Salt, pepper and crushed red chili flakes
1 lb asparagus, trimmed, and cut into bite-size pieces
Juice and zest of half a lemon
1/3 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (optional)
Splash of starchy cooking liquid
2 tbls chopped parsley or basil
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
Put the pasta on to boil. Heat the olive oil to medium, add the garlic, and saute until the garlic begins to soften, about a minute. Add the asparagus, salt, pepper and red chili flake, and saute until the asparagus is just tender and beginning to brown, about 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Add the lemon juice and zest and stir in, then add the bread crumbs (if you want them) and continue to cook until the breadcrumbs are toasted. Add the pasta with some of the cooking liquid, then sprinkle the parsley or basil and the parmesan evenly coating the pasta. Serve, making sure to get all the good asparagus, and enjoy!
