Creamy Spring Pasta with Asparagus and Leeks

There’s nothing quite like the vibrant, fresh taste of spring produce. This Creamy Spring Pasta is a celebration of the season, bringing together tender asparagus, sweet leeks, and a luscious, light cream sauce. It’s an elegant yet surprisingly simple dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Let the bright, clean flavors transport you to a sunny spring garden.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite long pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the asparagus is tender-crisp. You want it to retain a slight bite.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for one more minute.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
6. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Nutrition Information

Estimated nutritional values per serving, based on 4 servings.