Penne Pasta with Asparagus Sauce
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of spring with this Penne Pasta with Asparagus Sauce, a creamy, luscious dish that’s as elegant as it is easy to make. Perfectly al dente penne pasta is enveloped in a velvety asparagus sauce, made from tender asparagus spears, rich Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon for brightness. The sautéed asparagus tips add a delightful crunch and visual appeal, taking this pasta dish to gourmet levels. With only 30 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a slice of crusty bread for a simple yet sophisticated meal that showcases the best of seasonal ingredients.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Penne pasta
- 500 grams Asparagus
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 3 whole Garlic cloves
- 200 milliliters Heavy cream
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 liters Water
Instructions
Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, rinse the asparagus and trim the woody ends. Chop the asparagus into 2-inch pieces, reserving the tips for later use.
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic cloves (minced) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Add the chopped asparagus (excluding the tips) to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally.
Transfer the cooked asparagus to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the asparagus sauce.
In the same pan, add the reserved asparagus tips and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside.
Return the pan to low heat and pour in the blended asparagus sauce. Heat gently, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with the sautéed asparagus tips and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Penne Pasta with Asparagus Sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
516 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.4 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.1 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 73 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 757 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.5 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 233 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 322 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
