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Flavorful Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Brown Butter and Crispy Capers

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A bright and nutty pasta dish featuring fresh asparagus, brown butter, and crispy capers, balanced with lemon zest and juice for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound / 450 grams), trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted cold butter
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water). Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Blanch asparagus pieces in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer immediately to ice water or rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and rinsed capers. Fry for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until capers puff up and become crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep the oil in the pan.
  4. Add cold butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Swirl pan occasionally as butter melts, foams, and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat once browned and fragrant.
  5. Add minced garlic to browned butter and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, without browning. Toss in blanched asparagus and cook 1-2 minutes to warm and coat with butter.
  6. Add drained pasta to skillet with asparagus and butter mixture. Toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if pasta seems dry to loosen sauce.
  7. Stir in lemon zest and juice thoroughly. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over pasta. Toss gently to combine, then top with crispy capers.
  9. Serve immediately, adding extra lemon zest or cheese if desired.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully when browning to avoid burning. Pat capers dry before frying to prevent oil spitting. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce as needed. For creamier texture, add a splash of cream or ricotta at the end. Adjust salt carefully due to salty capers. Use fresh asparagus for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon asparagus pasta, brown butter pasta, crispy capers, spring pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/flavorful-lemon-asparagus-pasta-recipe-with-brown-butter-and-crispy-capers-easy-step-by-step-guide/