Asparagus Pasta
A vibrant asparagus pasta tossed with mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, and a flavorful Marsala wine sauce, perfect for a hearty yet elegant vegetarian or chicken dish.
Ingredients
- 1 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green onions ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 c. olives, wedges ⓘ
- 1 c. diced tomato (fresh or canned), drained ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked asparagus (tips and center cuts only) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Marsala wine ⓘ
- Cornstarch and water in equal amounts ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 16 oz. pasta (fusilli) ⓘ
- Romano grated cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 c. olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over high heat, sauté the mushrooms, green onions, and garlic in olive oil until tender.
- Add the olives and diced tomatoes; heat thoroughly.
- Add cooked asparagus and dry spices, stirring constantly.
- Pour in Marsala wine to flashpoint, then add chicken stock.
- Add cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over cooked pasta; toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with grated Romano cheese and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the olives with capers or artichoke hearts. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock. You can also add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. When sautéing, ensure the oil is hot to prevent sticking and to achieve a nice sear on the mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Asparagus Pasta with a side salad for a balanced meal, or pair it with Garlic Bread for a comforting dinner. It also goes well with Chicken Cacciatore(To Be Served Over Medium-Size Spaghetti) for a complete Italian feast. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Romano cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken stock to the pasta and heat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. This will help maintain the sauce's consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Pasta contains roughly 482 calories, with 34g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (121% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% 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 it well before adding to the dish. Frozen vegetables can release extra moisture, so you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fusilli is a great choice for this recipe, as its shape holds onto the sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or rotini, for a similar texture.
Is there a substitute for Marsala wine?
If you don't have Marsala wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or white wine. For a non-alcoholic option, use a mixture of grape juice and a bit of vinegar to mimic the acidity and sweetness of Marsala.
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).