Lemon Herb Pasta with Asparagus

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   7 min hands-on

   • Peel and finely mince the garlic.
   • Zest and juice the lemon.
   • Remove tough ends of the asparagus, slice tips, and cut stalks into thin rounds.
   • Roughly chop the mixed nuts.

2. Toast Nuts

   2 min hands-on

   • Heat a small dry pan over medium heat.
   • Add chopped nuts and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring until golden and fragrant.
   • Remove from pan and set aside to cool.

3. Cook Soybeans

   1 min hands-on3 min waiting

   • Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
   • Add soybeans, cook for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.

4. Cook Pasta

   2 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
   • Cook pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.

5. Prepare Aromatics and Vegetables

   4 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and oregano, sauté for 1 minute until garlic is golden.
   • Add asparagus and soybeans, sauté for 2-3 minutes until asparagus is bright green.

6. Add Flavor Enhancements

   1 min waiting

   • Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
   • Add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a sauce, simmer for 1 minute.

7. Combine with Pasta

   2 min hands-on

   • Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat.
   • Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.

8. Finish with Toppings

   2 min hands-on

   • Plate pasta and sprinkle with toasted nuts and Parmesan.
   • Add black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Toast the nuts carefully, as they can burn quickly. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as they become golden and fragrant.
   • To enhance the flavor of the garlic, sauté it gently over medium heat to avoid bitterness.
   • Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency; the starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a silky texture.
   • For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) just before serving.