Light and refreshing Lemon Asparagus Pasta combine pasta and asparagus with a creamy lemon feta sauce made from greek yogurt, feta, lemon, and herbs. It comes together in 20 minutes, is packed with protein, and so delicious!
Last updated on May 20, 2021.
What is something that reminds you of summer?!
For me, that would be asparagus! It was a staple in our diets growing up during the summer months. My dad worked in NJ and would bring home pounds and pounds of fresh asparagus (and tomatoes and blueberries).
I’m talking like 10+ pounds. Even though it was so much, it was so fresh, you really couldn’t get tired of it.
We are usually ones to just sauté asparagus, but I wanted to take it up a notch. Enter lemon asparagus pasta with creamy lemon feta sauce!
I love this pasta because:
- it is so easy to make – I’m talking less than 20 minutes
- the sauce is amazing – so so creamy
- it’s light and refreshing, perfect for summer
- is super customizable – add in some protein or more veggies to your liking
This pasta and asparagus also makes a well-balanced meal. It has carbs from pasta and veggies, protein from the yogurt and cheese, and healthy fats from the yogurt and cheese.
Lemon asparagus pasta recipe
20 minutes and only 7 ingredients to make this healthy asparagus pasta with a creamy feta sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner everyone will love!
Lemon asparagus pasta ingredients:
- pasta – I used penne
- olive oil
- asparagus
- greek yogurt
- feta cheese
- lemon juice
- parsley
- salt and pepper
First, cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and once boiling, cook according to the package. Next, make the sauce. See below for step-by-step instructions.
When the pasta has 5-6 minutes left, make the asparagus. Heat a medium-sized sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining olive oil. Add asparagus and some salt and pepper and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
Drain pasta. Turn off heat and add pasta to the pan along with sauce and stir to combine. Top with optional toppings if desired and enjoy!
Asparagus pasta sauce
Pasta is not pasta without a good sauce. It can totally make or break a dish. This sauce is oh so creamy, has a burst of freshness, and packs the protein!
Asparagus pasta sauce ingredients:
- plain greek yogurt – I suggest 4% fat for creaminess and flavor!
- feta cheese
- lemon juice
- parsley, roughly chopped
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
Simply add all your ingredients to a medium-sized bowl and mix well until combined. Feel free to adjust according to taste by adding more lemon, feta, or salt and pepper.
What to serve with creamy asparagus pasta
While I think this pasta makes a great meal on its own, here are a few additions to add:
- salad
- crusty bread – a must for dipping in the sauce!
- for topping – fresh basil or parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon zest
Give it a protein boost
This asparagus pasta recipe packs in 20 grams of protein per serving thanks to the pasta, Greek yogurt, and feta. But I know some people will like more than that at times (like me!). Here are a few options to up the protein:
- use higher protein pasta – there are many kinds of pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, and beans that will have more protein per serving in them
- add sauteed shrimp or animal protein – grilled chicken, shredded chicken, or ground chicken or turkey would all work well
- add your favorite plant-based protein – tofu, beans, or tempeh
Substitutions for asparagus pasta
Make this recipe your own with these substitutions or additions below. It is easily customizable!
- pasta – any kind of pasta will work (penne, spaghetti, angel hair, elbow…). I like penne has it has a good surface area to soak up the pasta sauce. If need, opt for gluten-free pasta to make this meal gluten-free.
- veggies – use any veggies you like! The more the merrier. Zucchini, spinach, peppers, and broccoli would be good substitutes or additions.
- cheese – any soft cheese would work, with goat cheese being a great substitute!
- greek yogurt – sub a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream if dairy isn’t your thing.
More healthy pasta recipes
- Creamy Vegan Pasta
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with Broccoli
- BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Greek Chicken Pasta Salad with Zucchini Noodles
Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Feta
ingredients
Lemon Asparagus Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 heaping cups chopped asparagus (about 400 grams)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- optional toppings: lemon zest, olive oil, red pepper flakes, feta, parsley...
Asparagus Pasta Sauce
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt (I suggest 4% fat for creaminess and flavor)
- 4 ounces crumbled feta (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup packed parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
instructions
- Cook pasta according to the package.
- Make the sauce. Add yogurt, feta, parsley, lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a small bowl. Stir to combine. Adjust according to taste if needed. Set aside.
- When the pasta has 5-6 minutes left, make the asparagus. Heat a medium-sized sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add asparagus and some salt and pepper and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
- Drain pasta. Turn off heat and add pasta to the pan along with sauce and stir to combine. Top with optional toppings if desired and enjoy!
nutrition
Recipe by Kelly Nardo, Eat the Gains | Photography by The Mindful Hapa
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Karen says
Made this with red lentil pasta and fat free Greek yogurt….delish! Also used lemon zest in the sauce to amp up the lemony flavor…I LOVE lemon pasta! I also added garlic when cooking the asparagus in the skillet. So tasty…will defiintely enjoy this one again. Thank you for a wonderfully delicious recipe!!
Kelly says
Yum! That sounds so delicious and love the lentil pasta for some added protein! Glad you enjoyed it Karen and thanks for trying it!
Dad says
Love my Spags great way of preparing
Kelly says
Yes, they remind me of growing up! It’s good in the pasta!