Creamy Asparagus Pasta: A Delicious and Elegant Dish for Any Occasion

Creamy Asparagus Pasta is a delightful and elegant dish that combines the earthy flavors of asparagus with the rich, comforting taste of a creamy pasta sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a potluck. The dish is not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Let’s delve into the details of this delectable recipe and explore the steps to create it.

Ingredients

To create this luscious Creamy Asparagus Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The butter forms the base of the sauce, providing a rich and creamy texture.
• ½ small onion, diced: Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic imparts a robust, aromatic quality that complements the other ingredients.
• 6 ounces bow tie pasta, uncooked: Bow tie pasta, or farfalle, is ideal for this recipe as its shape holds the sauce well.
• 16 ounces vegetable broth: The broth cooks the pasta and infuses it with flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: These add a subtle heat that balances the richness of the cream.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper: Freshly ground pepper enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 8 ounces asparagus: Fresh asparagus provides a vibrant, slightly crunchy texture and a bright, earthy flavor.
• ¾ cup heavy cream: This gives the sauce its creamy, luxurious consistency.
• ¾ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich depth to the sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

Start by heating a sauté pan over medium heat and adding the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onions. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onions begin to brown and turn translucent. This process caramelizes the onions, enhancing their sweetness and flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it as garlic can turn bitter quickly.

Step 2: Cooking the Pasta

Next, add the uncooked bow tie pasta, vegetable broth, red pepper flakes, and pepper to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan and deglaze it, incorporating any browned bits into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Allow the pasta to simmer for about 9 minutes, or until it is al dente minus about 4 minutes, as the pasta will continue to cook in the subsequent steps. Be sure to consult your pasta package directions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 3: Preparing the Asparagus

While the pasta is simmering, prepare the asparagus. Gently bend the bottom end of each asparagus spear until it breaks naturally. This usually occurs about 1-2 inches from the bottom and removes the tough, woody ends. Discard these ends and slice the remaining spears into thirds. This ensures that the asparagus pieces are bite-sized and cook evenly.

Step 4: Adding the Asparagus

Uncover the pan and add the sliced asparagus, stirring to combine. Cover the pan again and continue to simmer for an additional 4 minutes. If you have very thin asparagus, reduce the cooking time to 3 minutes, and for very thick asparagus, increase the time to 5 minutes. The goal is to cook the asparagus until it is tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Creating the Creamy Sauce

Once the asparagus is cooked, uncover the pan. By this time, most of the liquid should be absorbed by the pasta. Add the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes to heat through and allow the cheese to melt, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finishing the Dish

Remove the pan from the heat and allow the pasta to set for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken further and ensures that the flavors meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Asparagus Pasta can be served as a main dish or as a side. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp.

Tips and Variations

Broth Substitutes

Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or beef broth, depending on your preference. Each type of broth will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish. If using low sodium broth, you may need to add additional salt or herbs to make up for the lost flavor.

Pasta Alternatives

If you prefer a different type of pasta, feel free to substitute the bow tie pasta with another variety. Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives. Just be sure to consult the cooking directions on your pasta package and adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Enhancing the Flavor

To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme. These herbs can be added towards the end of cooking or used as a garnish. A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten the dish and add a fresh, citrusy note.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Creamy Asparagus Pasta will keep for 3-4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Asparagus Pasta is a versatile and elegant dish that brings together the freshness of asparagus with the richness of a creamy pasta sauce. Its simple preparation and delicious flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and variations, you can create a dish that is sure to impress and satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy the delightful experience of making and eating this exquisite pasta dish. Bon appétit!

Creamy Asparagus Pasta: A Delicious and Elegant Dish for Any Occasion

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• Author: hdrecipes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Asparagus Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender asparagus with a rich, creamy sauce. This pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to please everyone.

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

6 ounces bow tie pasta, uncooked

16 ounces vegetable broth

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon pepper

8 ounces asparagus

¾ cup heavy cream

¾ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

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Instructions

In a sauté pan over medium heat, add butter. Once melted, add onions. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until onions begin to brown and turn translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add bow tie pasta, vegetable broth, red pepper flakes, and pepper to pan. Scrape to deglaze pan as needed. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 9 minutes (or consult your pasta package directions and cook to al dente minus 4 minutes).

Meanwhile, gently bend the bottom end of each asparagus spear until it breaks naturally (Usually 1-2 inches in from the bottom). Discard the woody ends, then slice spears into thirds.

Uncover pan, add asparagus, and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for an additional 4 minutes (for very thin asparagus, reduce time to 3 minutes. For very thick asparagus, increase time to 5 minutes).

Uncover pan. Most of liquid should be absorbed. Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through and allow cheese to melt.

Remove from heat and allow to set for 5 minutes before serving (sauce will continue to thicken as it stands).

Notes

Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or beef broth.

If using low sodium broth, you may want to add additional salt or herbs to the dish to make up for lost flavor.

If substituting bow tie pasta with another style of pasta, consult your pasta’s cooking directions and adjust pasta cooking times accordingly.

Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg