Penne with Asparagus and Cream Sauce
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Penne with Asparagus and Cream Sauce, a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Combining al dente penne pasta with tender asparagus spears, this recipe is coated in a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce, delicately spiced with garlic and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The rich, velvety sauce is perfectly balanced by fresh parsley garnish, providing a burst of freshness in every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder is an irresistible fusion of fresh, wholesome ingredients and decadent flavors, making it a go-to recipe for pasta lovers. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 2-inch pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet with the asparagus. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the cream to warm through for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the cream sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
519 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.9 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.7 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 82 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 670 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.5 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 15.7 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 266 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 297 mg | 6% | |
*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.
