Angel Hair Pasta With Asparagus, Tomatoes
A light, flavorful angel hair pasta dish featuring fresh asparagus, tomatoes, garlic, and basil, perfect for a quick and elegant vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim the asparagus and rinse in cold water.
- Remove the tips of the asparagus; set aside.
- Bias-slice the remaining asparagus stalks into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and cook until slightly reduced, about 2 minutes.
- Add the asparagus tips and sliced stalks; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter and toss to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded basil.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dish, consider substituting zucchini noodles for a portion of the angel hair pasta. If you don't have white wine, vegetable broth can be used instead. For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This dish can also be enhanced with grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served immediately, but for an elegant presentation, garnish with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Italian Fruit Salad for a refreshing side. A crisp green salad or toasted Italian Torti Bread makes a great accompaniment.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angel Hair Pasta With Asparagus, Tomatoes contains roughly 255 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1988mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet. Frozen asparagus may cook a bit faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the butter or replace it with a plant-based alternative. Ensure that any added ingredients, like broth, are also vegan-friendly. This dish is naturally vegetarian, making it easy to adapt.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the vegetables you choose to keep them tender yet crisp.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).