One-Pot Parmesan Noodles with Asparagus is the easiest and creamiest one-pot pasta I have made. You only need one pot for the entire process of cooking for these parmesan noodles with asparagus. Serve as a side dish or eat as a main for a meatless dinner option. This creamy pasta recipe is a pasta lover’s dream come true.
One-Pot Parmesan Noodles With Asparagus
Pasta is one dish that I never get tired of. From spaghetti & meatballs to alfredo, lasagna, seafood pasta, and all kinds of other delicious pasta recipes, I could eat pasta every day and be okay with that.
This parmesan noodles recipe truly is one of the easiest side dishes that there is, and it includes your vegetables as well as your starch.
You need more PASTA in your life.
One-Pot Pasta Recipe
One Pot Pasta is unique because you are cooking the pasta in the same pot as all the ingredients. You don’t have to cook your pasta in a separate pan while you prepare the other ingredients. This makes for a super simple recipe and less cleanup afterward.
Parmesan Asparagus Noodles
I think this creamy pasta is so unique because it is fresh, light, and the crisp asparagus offers a nice contrast in texture to the al dente pasta. The parmesan cheese adds incredible richness and gives that silky sauce all the flavor that smothers the pasta and asparagus nicely.
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Can you substitute another vegetable for the asparagus?
Absolutely!
If you are not a fan of asparagus or don’t have any available, reach for broccoli florets, peas, or even green beans. You could also toss in some summer squash or zucchini if it is in season. Feel free to add in a vegetable that fits your family’s preferences. I love stirring in some baby spinach at the very end so it gets wilted but still keeps its texture.
I like to call this pasta my “clean out the fridge” pasta. Sometimes if I have leftover raw veggies that are close to expiring, I will toss them in. I have even done a vegetable medley, and it tasted great.
Check out this Easy One-Pot Pasta With Peas for more inspiration!
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Tips for the best one-pot pasta
- Know the cook time of your noodles (so they don’t overcook). Read on the back of the box and follow the instructions.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. If you want to add in a different vegetable or cheese, go for it!
- If all else fails, add more cheese. Cheese in this recipe is what adds flavor and offers a creamy texture to the sauce. So sprinkle on more, stir and enjoy. It also helps thicken up the sauce too.
- Use a big enough pot. You need it to hold all components of the recipe.
- A watched pot never boils, but an unwatched pot ALWAYS boils over. One tip I found is to place a wooden spoon over the top of the pot, and it will pop any bubbles that rise up to help prevent it from boiling over.
Will another type of cheese work?
You probably could use a different type of cheese for this pasta recipe. I love how parmesan offers a creamy base for the sauce. I think a mozzarella could work in replacing but it might not be as smooth of a sauce.
Try our homemade bolognese recipe!
What’s best to serve with parmesan pasta?
- Traeger grilled chicken is the perfect pain dish. Tender and juicy chicken that is seasoned with a Traeger rub blend. Easy, and delicious.
- Grilled bacon wrapped pork tenderloin is another great contending option. The bacon juices soak in as it bakes, leaving your pork tenderloin juicy and moist. Slice and serve next to this pasta.
- Smoked ham is one of our family favorites. It makes enough it feeds a crowd and reheats well for leftovers. I love dipping the ham in the pasta sauce!
- Pan Seared Lingcod is a great option for this pasta side as well. I’d love a big chunk of fish right on top of a heap of this pasta, right now please.
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Can you use whole-wheat pasta in this recipe?
Of course. Feel free to use whole wheat, gluten-free, or any other type of noodle that you enjoy. Just follow the directions on the pasta package as for the time it needs to cook and adjust accordingly.
You can also use different types of noodles if you don’t want to use spaghetti noodles. I have made these noodles with bow-tie pasta, elbow and more. My family and I prefer the long noodles for this one-pot pasta recipe, but feel free to use what you have on hand or prefer.
If you are a fan of pasta, you got to try this creamy pasta recipe. We have been making this for a long time, and it is always a quick and easy recipe to whip up.
More recipes to love
- Veal Parmesan
- Deviled Eggs
- Apple Fritters
- Cobia with Mango Salsa
- Sous Vide Duck Breast
- Sturgeon with Lemon Cream Sauce
- Smoked Beef Short Ribs
- Garlic Herb Compound Butter
- Dungeness Crab Roll
- Blackstone Kielbasa Recipe
One Pot Creamy Parmesan Noodles with Asparagus
This easy one-pot pasta is full of creamy parmesan cheese and fresh asparagus.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 - 1 cup whole milk or half and half
- 1/2 pound asparagus, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces with the rough portion of stems removed
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh herbs (thyme, basil, parsley, oregano are all good choices! pick your favorite!
- 1-2 cups grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place the spaghetti, water, salt, butter, and mustard powder into a medium to large sauce pot. Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Put the asparagus in during the last 3 minutes of cook time, and let simmer until the pasta is tender. Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the milk, cayenne, herbs, and cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and combined.
- Serve hot!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 434mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 8g
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.
Amber
Monday 23rd of October 2023
Yummy, fast, and easy! Loved it! I too liked the photos. I accidentally added the oregano with the noodles, but it worked out fine. I also tossed in 2 cups of diced turkey because my hubby is a meat guy. Thanks for a great recipe!
Nicole Johnson
Monday 23rd of October 2023
So glad you liked it!
Ella
Thursday 11th of May 2023
I love photos with the recipes but sometimes (as in this case) the photo doesn’t do Justice to the recipe and could turn some people off trying the recipe.
Jim
Friday 12th of May 2023
@Nicole Johnson, I thought the photos looked great and is the reason I want to try this dish!
Nicole Johnson
Thursday 11th of May 2023
Oh wow. I thought these photos were good. ?
John Chambers Jr
Wednesday 24th of June 2020
In the recipe for pasta with asparagus, which I haven't tried, I find it hard that you don't drain the noodles and asparagus and also that you don't test the asparagus to make sure it is cooked.
Nicole Johnson
Wednesday 24th of June 2020
Hey John! This recipe is a no-drain recipe, and calls for a specific amount of water for that reason. Try it out sometime! It seems weird but it works really well. The asparagus will definitely be done after simmering for 3 minutes. If you like yours a little softer than that, you can feel free to pre-cook it and just add it in after the pasta is done though!