Roasted Asparagus and Lemon Pasta

I am all about lemon pasta sauce you guys. And adding a roasted vegetable?? That is one of my all-time favorite pairings. (See this similar tasty recipe.) This dish is incredible and when I saw that asparagus was on sale a couple of weeks ago I knew I had to buy some before the price shot up. (Which it did as always.)

This recipe is extremely easy to follow and the dish comes together in no time. This is my favorite way to eat asparagus and the lemon pasta is divine.

And even if your kids won't touch the green stuff, they won't be able to deny their love for this light, lemony pasta.

Roasted Asparagus and Lemon Pasta

Adapted from Creme de la Crumb

Asparagus

1 bunch fresh asparagus

1-2 Tbsp. olive oil

kosher salt

black pepper

Pasta

8 oz. bowtie pasta, cooked according to package instructions

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice + 1 tsp. lemon zest

2 tsp. garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. flour

2 cups milk

salt + pepper to taste

parmesan for serving

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus and, if they're thick, peel them. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil, then toss to coat the asparagus completely. Spread the asparagus in a single layer and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 25 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, spray a large pan with cooking spray. Add butter and garlic to pan and stir for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant. Add flour and stir until mixture forms a ball or clump. Slowly whisk in milk until mixture is smooth. Whisk in the lemon juice and zest and bring sauce to a light boil, whisking occasionally. 

4. Once boiling and slightly thickened, remove from heat and stir in the cooked pasta to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Top with roasted asparagus pieces and grated parmesan before serving.