Garlic and Asparagus Tortellini Recipe
With minimal prep, you can instantly brighten nearly any dish with chunks of in-season asparagus, like this cheesy tortellini dish.

Photo: Mike Garten
Serves 4
Ingredients
Directions
Total time: 20 minutes
In a pot of boiling water, cook tortellini according to package directions, then drain. Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, remove 3 (1") strips zest from lemon. Thinly slice zest.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add asparagus and garlic; season with salt and pepper; and cook, tossing occasionally, until starting to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high; add lemon zest; and cook, tossing, until butter turns golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Toss asparagus mixture with tortellini and tarragon. Serve with Parmesan, if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cheese tortellini
- 1 lemon
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 8 ounces asparagus, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. chopped tarragon
- Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Directions
Total time: 20 minutes
In a pot of boiling water, cook tortellini according to package directions, then drain. Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, remove 3 (1") strips zest from lemon. Thinly slice zest.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add asparagus and garlic; season with salt and pepper; and cook, tossing occasionally, until starting to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high; add lemon zest; and cook, tossing, until butter turns golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Toss asparagus mixture with tortellini and tarragon. Serve with Parmesan, if desired.