Plant-Forward
Easy Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Walnuts & Capers
Bright, fresh, and full of flavor, this Lemon Asparagus Pasta is perfect for a light and healthy meal! With zesty lemon, tender asparagus, and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like capers and olives, this dish is as vibrant as it is delicious. Follow Chef Healthy Henry for a quick, plant-based pas
Ingredients
- 10 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 large lemons juiced zest from lemons (divided)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil Salt and black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 shallots thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 14 oz asparagus sliced on bias into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, crushed
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, julienned
- 3 tablespoons capers
- 1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives, halved
- 1 (15 oz) can navy beans rinsed and drained
- Cherry tomatoes for garnish
Directions
- 1
Add pasta to a large pot of boiling water, cook until just al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine 4 tbsp of lemon juice, Dijon mustard,1 tsp salt and black pepper. Drizzle in 5 tbsp olive oil.
- 3
In a medium sauté pan heat 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- 4
Add shallots and garlic. Cook 2 to 3 minutes.
- 5
Add the red pepper flakes cook for more 30 seconds.
- 6
Add asparagus and 1/2 of the lemon zest.
- 7
Add salt and pepper.
- 8
Cook 3 minutes until the asparagus is crisp-tender.
- 9
Remove from heat.
- 10
Add pasta and Lemon Sauce to the pan.
- 11
Add walnuts, nutritional yeast, and 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- 12
Return pan to medium-high heat. Use tongs to vigorously toss, shaking the pan.
- 13
Add more pasta water as needed, until the sauce clings to the pasta.
- 14
Add remaining lemon zest, basil, parsley, capers, olives, and white beans.
- 15
Garnish with fresh cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
- 16
Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Per 1 serving
Estimated per serving. Actual values vary with brands, substitutions, and portion size. This is general information, not medical or nutrition advice.
Check every ingredient against your own allergies and dietary needs. See our Health & Nutrition Disclaimer.
