Description
A comforting and flavorful dish that combines fresh asparagus and pasta in a creamy sauce, perfect for family gatherings or a special dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (any shape)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1½ pounds asparagus (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan (or more to taste)
- ½ cup fresh basil (or 3 sprigs of fresh thyme)
- ½ lemon (juice and zest)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion for about three minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the cut asparagus, grated garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook for five more minutes, adding one cup of water after the first minute.
- Once the asparagus is bright green and fork-tender, remove half of it and place it into a food processor.
- Add ½ cup fresh basil, ½ cup grated parmesan, the juice of ½ lemon, and two tablespoons of water.
- Blend until creamy to create a luscious sauce.
- After the pasta finishes cooking, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining it.
- Add the drained pasta back to the skillet with the remaining asparagus and the creamy sauce.
- Stir everything together, using reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Adjust salt to taste before serving, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and add a grating of lemon zest.
Notes
Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. Experiment with different herbs or cheeses to customize the flavor.
