Penne with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Asparagus
Brighten up your weeknight dinner rotation with this Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Asparagus, a flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender penne, crisp asparagus, and the rich, tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe is a celebration of fresh and bold flavors. Aromatic garlic, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, and a touch of zesty lemon bring depth and vibrancy to every bite, while grated Parmesan cheese creates a silky sauce that ties it all together. Finished with fresh basil for a fragrant, herby touch, this vegetarian pasta dish is perfect for a quick family meal or a light yet satisfying dinner party entrée. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- 1 lb asparagus
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus by trimming off the woody ends and cutting the spears into 2-inch pieces.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the asparagus to the skillet and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the asparagus is tender yet crisp.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil) and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm the tomatoes through.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh basil. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
390 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.0 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 581 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.6 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.9 g | ||
| Protein | 14.0 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 188 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 929 mg | 20% | |
*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.
