Pasta With Asparagus
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring crisp-tender asparagus, fragrant garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes, all tossed in a light olive oil and butter sauce with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fresh spring meal, appealing to veggie lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook garlic, red pepper flakes, and hot pepper sauce in oil and butter for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add asparagus, salt, and pepper.
- Saute until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese; mix well.
- Pour over hot pasta and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the olive oil with vegetable broth. If fresh asparagus isn't available, frozen can be used—just adjust the cooking time accordingly. To enhance the flavor, consider adding lemon zest or a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic. This dish also pairs beautifully with Fettuccine With Basil, Turkey And Walnuts for a delightful meal variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish with a light green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. A chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully. For additional protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. This recipe also works well as a side dish for Italian recipes, particularly alongside Baked Stuffed Jumbo Shells.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to a skillet over medium heat, then add the pasta and asparagus mixture, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave as it may make the pasta mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Asparagus contains roughly 564 calories, with 4g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 603mg per serving (26% 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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow or mostaccioli macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne or bowtie pasta would work wonderfully in this dish, allowing the sauce to cling nicely to the pasta.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make the dish more filling, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or cannellini beans for protein. You could also toss in some peas or other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Simply ensure that the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The dish is delicious as is, but you can add more veggies for additional flavor and texture.
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).