Creamy Asparagus Pasta

This recipe for Creamy Asparagus Pasta is a lesson in simplicity. It is a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring by highlighting the crisp-tender, bite-size pieces of seasonal asparagus in a rich creamy sauce, with the bright flavour of lemon, Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This elegant pasta dish is a blend of complementary flavours and textures and demonstrates the value of top-quality ingredients cooked simply.

• 340 g (12 oz) dried orecchiette pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 350 g (12 oz) asparagus
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic - finely chopped
• 100 g (3 cups) baby spinach
• 310 ml (1 ¼ cups) heavy whipping/thickened cream
• 2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 40 g (½ cup) Parmesan cheese - freshly grated
• 3 tablespoon fresh basil leaves - finely chopped
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
• 250 ml (1 cup) pasta water - reserve before draining pasta