10 Amazing Asparagus Pasta Dishes You'll Cook Again & Again

Fresh asparagus transforms ordinary pasta into something special with its bright, earthy flavor. These delicious recipes showcase asparagus in creamy sauces, light preparations, and hearty casseroles.

From simple weeknight dinners to elegant date night meals, these pasta dishes celebrate spring’s favorite green vegetable in the most delicious ways possible.

01. Mediterranean Asparagus Mushroom Pasta Bake

A hearty baked pasta combining earthy mushrooms and fresh asparagus in Mediterranean flavors. This comforting casserole makes a perfect meatless dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1 pound fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces), 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced), 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Mediterranean Asparagus Mushroom Pasta Bake

1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms until golden brown and their moisture has evaporated, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Season vegetables with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

4. Combine cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce in a large baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

02. Rich Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine

Silky fettuccine pasta coated in a luxurious cream sauce with tender ham and asparagus. This indulgent dish transforms leftover ham into an elegant dinner that feels restaurant-quality.

Ingredients: 1 pound fettuccine pasta, 1 pound fresh asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces), 2 cups cooked ham (diced), 1 cup heavy cream, 4 tablespoons butter, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 3 cloves garlic (minced), salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Rich Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine

1. Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining, as the starchy water helps create a silky sauce.

2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to let it brown.

3. Add asparagus pieces to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Stir in diced ham and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.

4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add drained pasta and toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

5. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately while the sauce is perfectly creamy.

03. Luxurious Scallop Mascarpone Pasta

Pan-seared scallops nestled in a velvety mascarpone sauce with fresh asparagus and mushrooms. This restaurant-worthy dish brings elegant flavors together for a truly special meal.

Ingredients: 1 pound linguine pasta, 1½ pounds large sea scallops, 1 pound asparagus (trimmed and cut into pieces), 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced), 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, ½ cup whole milk, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and white pepper to taste.

How To Make Luxurious Scallop Mascarpone Pasta

1. Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Remove the side muscle if still attached, as this ensures even cooking and the best texture.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

04. Buttery Chicken and Asparagus Penne

Tender chicken breast and crisp asparagus tossed with penne in a simple butter sauce. This straightforward recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1 pound fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces), 6 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup chicken broth, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Buttery Chicken and Asparagus Penne

1. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming.

2. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.

3. Add asparagus to the skillet with chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water before draining.

5. Add remaining butter and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to create a light sauce. Add drained pasta and toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed for proper coating.

6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, tossing until melted and distributed throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.

05. Simple Creamy Asparagus Linguine

Fresh asparagus and linguine come together in a light cream sauce that’s perfect for family dinners. This versatile recipe feeds a crowd and comes together in about thirty minutes.

Ingredients: 1½ pounds linguine pasta, 2 pounds fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces), 1 cup light cream, 4 tablespoons butter, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Simple Creamy Asparagus Linguine

1. Cook linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining.

2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.

3. Add asparagus pieces to the skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes until tender and bright green. Season with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally for even cooking.

4. Pour in light cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.

5. Add drained pasta to the skillet along with remaining butter. Toss everything together, gradually adding pasta water until you achieve a silky, creamy consistency that coats the noodles perfectly.

06. Elegant Shrimp and Asparagus Penne

Succulent shrimp and tender asparagus in a buttery white wine sauce over penne pasta. This sophisticated dish is perfect for date nights and comes together in just thirty-five minutes.

Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta, 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined), ¾ pound asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces), ½ cup dry white wine, 4 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Elegant Shrimp and Asparagus Penne

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.

2. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside to prevent overcooking.

3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.

4. Add minced garlic to the asparagus and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

5. Meanwhile, cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add to the skillet with asparagus.

6. Stir in remaining butter and cooked shrimp, tossing gently to combine. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while everything is perfectly hot and flavorful.

07. Colorful No-Cream Pasta Primavera

A vibrant medley of roasted spring vegetables including asparagus tossed with pasta in a light, healthy sauce. This rainbow of vegetables delivers robust flavors without any heavy cream.

Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1 pound asparagus (cut into pieces), 1 medium zucchini (sliced), 1 yellow squash (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (strips), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), ½ cup green beans (trimmed), ¼ cup olive oil, 4 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup vegetable broth, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Colorful No-Cream Pasta Primavera

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss all the cut vegetables except tomatoes with 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet.

2. Roast vegetables for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized, stirring once halfway through. Add cherry tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of roasting to prevent them from becoming too soft.

3. Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water before draining.

4. Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.

5. Add the roasted vegetables to the skillet along with vegetable broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors and create a light sauce.

6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the vegetables, adding pasta water as needed to help everything come together. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.

08. Fresh Herb and Asparagus Pasta

A refreshing pasta dish featuring asparagus and green peas with fresh mint, basil, and parsley. This garden-fresh recipe tastes light and bright, perfect for warm weather dining.

Ingredients: 1 pound angel hair pasta, 1 pound asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces), 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas, ¼ cup fresh mint (chopped), ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped), ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped), 4 green onions (sliced), ¼ cup olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Fresh Herb and Asparagus Pasta

1. Cook angel hair pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. This delicate pasta cooks quickly, so watch it carefully to avoid overcooking.

2. During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking time, add asparagus pieces and peas to the pasta water. This technique ensures everything finishes cooking at the same time.

3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

4. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and vegetables together. Add them immediately to the skillet with the garlic oil.

5. Remove skillet from heat and add all the fresh herbs and sliced green onions. Toss everything together gently, adding pasta water as needed to create a light coating.

6. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately while the herbs are bright and aromatic for the best flavor experience.

09. Quick Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta

Simple asparagus pasta brightened with fresh lemon and garlic for a clean, vibrant flavor. This easy weeknight recipe comes together quickly and can be enhanced with your favorite protein.

Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti pasta, 1½ pounds fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces), 4 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup olive oil, 2 lemons (juiced and zested), ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 3 tablespoons butter, salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Quick Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

3. Add minced garlic to the asparagus and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

4. Add drained pasta to the skillet along with butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together, adding pasta water gradually to create a light, silky sauce.

5. Remove from heat and add grated Parmesan cheese, tossing until melted and well distributed. Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately while the lemon flavor is bright and fresh.

10. Bright Lemon Asparagus Penne

Penne pasta tossed with tender asparagus in a bright lemon sauce finished with Parmesan cheese. The combination of citrus and salty cheese creates a perfectly balanced, satisfying dish.

Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, 1½ pounds fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces), 2 large lemons (juiced and zested), ⅓ cup olive oil, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Bright Lemon Asparagus Penne

1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. The pasta should have a slight bite to it since it will continue cooking briefly with the sauce.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and bright green.

3. Add minced garlic to the asparagus and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in lemon juice and add lemon zest, stirring to combine all the flavors.

4. Add drained pasta and butter to the skillet, tossing everything together until the butter melts and coats the pasta evenly.

5. Remove from heat and add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, tossing until the cheese melts and creates a light, flavorful coating. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.

Final Thoughts

These asparagus pasta recipes showcase spring’s finest vegetable in delicious, creative ways. From simple weeknight dinners to elegant entertaining dishes, there’s something here for every occasion.

Each recipe celebrates asparagus’s unique flavor while creating satisfying, memorable meals that will have your family asking for seconds every time.

10 Amazing Asparagus Pasta Dishes You’ll Cook Again & Again