Rigatoni and Asparagus

Brighten up your dinner table with this irresistible Rigatoni and Asparagus recipe—a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender rigatoni, vibrant asparagus, and a zesty garlic-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute meal combines the earthy crunch of fresh asparagus with the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. A splash of lemon zest adds a citrusy zing that elevates the flavors, while the reserved pasta water creates a silky sauce to coat every bite. Perfect for spring or any time you crave a light yet satisfying pasta dish, this recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine. Whether you're feeding the family or hosting guests, Rigatoni and Asparagus is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb asparagus
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup reserved pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, rinse and trim the asparagus. Cut the asparagus stalks into 1-inch pieces.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn bright green.

Step 4

Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 5

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.

Step 6

Stir in the lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to combine and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Rigatoni and Asparagus!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1029.1 grams (1029.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1268

Total Fat 67.90g	87%
Saturated Fat 27.20g	136%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.90g
Cholesterol 102mg	34%
Sodium 3075mg	134%
Total Carbohydrate 128.70g	47%
Dietary Fiber 16.90g	60%
Total Sugars 12.40g
Protein 47.10g	94%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 607mg	47%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 1157mg	25%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.5%

Protein: 14.3%

Carbs: 39.2%