A vibrant mix of roasted garlic, tender asparagus, olive oil, and spaghetti for a flavorful meal.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large garlic head
02 - 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
→ Pasta
03 - 12 ounces spaghetti
→ Other
04 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for roasting
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra 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 Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the garlic head to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden.
02 - After 15 minutes of garlic roasting, spread asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the same oven for 12-15 minutes until tender.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
04 - Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from skins and lightly mash with a fork.
05 - Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mashed garlic and sauté for 1-2 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, lemon zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
