Sweet roasted garlic cloves and tender asparagus tossed with spaghetti, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a vibrant spring meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head garlic
02 - 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
→ Pasta
03 - 12 ounces spaghetti
→ Seasonings and Finishing
04 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for roasting
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus additional for pasta water
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden.
02 - After 15 minutes, spread asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the same oven for 12 to 15 minutes until just tender.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta in a colander.
04 - Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and mash lightly with a fork until broken down.
05 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1/4 cup olive oil. Add the mashed garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
06 - Add roasted asparagus and cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
08 - Divide pasta among serving bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
