Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes. Penne will still be slightly firm.

Stir asparagus into the pot with the boiling penne pasta and bring back to a boil; cook until pasta is tender and asparagus is softened but still bright green about 3 more minutes. Drain pasta and asparagus.

Place penne and asparagus into a large bowl; lightly stir in lemon zest lemon juice Parmesan cheese olive oil salt and black pepper until thoroughly combined.