| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 9g | 4g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 4g | 15g | 0.72g |
If you’re on the hunt for an Italian-inspired, exquisitely flavorful, and simple-to-prepare dish, you’ve landed in the right place! Presenting the Asparagus and Parmesan Pasta, a sublime combination of earthy asparagus, creamy and tangy Parmesan cheese, and perfectly al dente fettuccine pasta. Speckled with a touch of bright lemon zest and juicy cherry tomatoes, it’s a gasp-worthy veggie-centric delight that I’ve fallen in love with! This dish brings me back to my Colorado roots, reminding me of the way the freshness, colors and scents of Nature weave a scrumptious, unpretentious food narrative.
The Roots and Inspiration
Its brilliance lies in its simplicity. This vibrant green pasta finds parallels with the wild asparagus growing at the foothills of Colorado. Despite being immersed in the world of robust game meats and hearty trout dishes, I find a delightful divergence in this vegetable-based creation. The vibrant asparagus, crisp yet tender, mirrors the tenacity of the mountain flora, while the indulgent Parmesan brings comforting warmth, reminiscent of a cozy night by the fireplace.
Not Just A Treat for The Palate
But it’s not just the taste that sets this recipe apart. The Asparagus and Parmesan Pasta is also a nutritional powerhouse. The asparagus provides a host of health benefits including fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E and K. Not to be left behind, Parmesan packs a good punch of calcium and protein. It’s truly a harmonious blend of taste and health.
If this recipe tickles your fancy, you may enjoy exploring similar forest-to-table pasta dishes like the Creamy Pasta with Crispy Mushrooms or the Linguine with Sundried Tomatoes, Olives and Lemon. They carry the same ethos of harnessing the freshest of ingredients into a one-dish wonder. Likewise, our Asparagus and Parmesan Pasta can make a perfect pair with a refreshing mixed greens salad for a delectable and wholesome lunch.
With just a few uncomplicated steps and good quality ingredients, you too, can recreate this beloved recipe in your kitchen. So, tie on an apricot or olive green apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into a cooking adventure!
What You’ll Need
- 12 oz of fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb of fresh asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of pasta water (reserved)
- Zest of one lemon
- 1.5 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
Method
Step One
First, cook the fettuccine pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to package directions. Before draining, remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the asparagus, and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step Three
Next, add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet along with the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt and ground black pepper. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
Step Four
Finally, stir in the cherry tomatoes, turning off the heat. If the pasta is too dry, add more of the pasta water.
Step Five
Before serving, season the dish with more salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top if desired. Enjoy your Asparagus and Parmesan Pasta!
