Fresh Asparagus Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring fresh asparagus, mushrooms, and tomatoes, enhanced with herbs and white wine for a light, flavorful meal perfect for springtime dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 3/4 pound fresh asparagus ⓘ
- 4 large green onions ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 pound fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 medium pear tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 pound pasta ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut asparagus and green onions into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
- Cut tomatoes lengthwise into eighths.
- Mix 1/2 cup of chicken broth with white wine and set aside.
- Combine cornstarch with 1/4 cup chicken broth and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped green onions and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add chopped garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add cut asparagus and cook until just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the wine and chicken broth mixture; bring to a simmer.
- Add black olives and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream after thickening. You can substitute asparagus with green beans or broccoli if desired, and use any type of pasta you have on hand. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the olives. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier option. For a refreshing drink, a chilled glass of white wine complements the flavors perfectly. You could also browse more Italian recipes for additional meal ideas.
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 broth to the skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring gently to revive the pasta and sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Asparagus Pasta contains roughly 1619 calories, with 22g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value), iron (114% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 802mg per serving (35% 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 aware that it may release more water than fresh. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, cooking just until heated through to avoid mushiness. Fresh asparagus will provide a better texture and flavor, but frozen can be a convenient alternative.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While any pasta works, long shapes like fettuccine or spaghetti hold the sauce well. If you prefer something different, try penne or farfalle, which can add a fun texture. Just ensure the cooking time aligns with your pasta type for the best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the pasta, and toss until combined. This will help maintain the pasta's texture and prevent it from becoming too soft.
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).