Penne with Asparagus, Lemon & Mint

At SmartKitchen30, we believe in bringing fresh, vibrant flavours to your table with utmost efficiency. This delightful penne dish is expertly designed to make the most of your time, allowing you to perfectly cook the asparagus while the pasta simmers. The result is a wonderfully light yet satisfying meal, ideal for invigorating your weekly menu without any fuss or complications. Bursting with the bright notes of lemon and fragrant mint, it offers a lively alternative to heavier dishes, perfect for evenings when you crave something nutritious, quick, and utterly delicious.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 11.3 oz (320g) penne rigate
• 14.1 oz (400g) fresh asparagus
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 cloves garlic
• A small bunch of fresh mint
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fine salt and black pepper
• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano (optional, for serving)

Method

1. Bring a large pan of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
2. While the water is heating, prepare the asparagus: snap off the tough, woody ends and slice the stalks into small rounds, leaving the tips whole.
3. Finely chop the garlic cloves and the fresh mint leaves. Grate the lemon zest and squeeze the juice.
4. Once the water is boiling, add the penne and cook according to packet instructions, usually for 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
5. Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over a medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and asparagus, then sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to help them cook.
6. Drain the cooked penne, reserving a small amount of the starchy cooking water. Transfer the penne directly into the frying pan with the asparagus mixture.
7. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped mint. Add a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce, then toss everything together to combine thoroughly. Season to taste with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve immediately, perhaps with a generous dusting of grated Parmigiano Reggiano if desired. While best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day; however, the vibrant freshness of the asparagus and mint will diminish slightly.

Nutrition

Please note: nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Embracing quick and reliable cooking within your weekly routine is a simple yet effective way to minimise stress and elevate your enjoyment at the dining table. Every SmartKitchen30 recipe is crafted to simplify meal management, proving that exceptional quality and flavour need never be compromised by a busy schedule. A methodical approach to preparation will empower you to savour healthy, delicious dinners, even on the most hectic of evenings.