Skip to main content

Pasta with Asparagus

Here’s a simple way to say “happy spring.” Do try this with goat cheese—the contrast of its slight bite and the mild flavor of asparagus is tantalizing.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

10 to 12 ounces pasta, any short shape
12 to 16 ounces asparagus, preferably slender
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (such as Montrachet), grated fresh Parmesan cheese, or crumbled feta cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, trim the woody ends from the asparagus spears and scrape any tough skin with a vegetable peeler (fresh slender spring asparagus usually needs no scraping). Cut the spears into 1- to 2-inch-long pieces.

    Step 3

    Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the garlic. Sauté over low heat until golden, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus and a small amount of water. Cover and steam until the asparagus is done to your liking but still bright green.

    Step 4

    Combine the pasta, asparagus mixture, and cheese in a serving container and toss well. Season with salt and pepper, and serve at once.

  2. Menu

    Step 5

    Pasta with Asparagus (this page)

    Step 6

    Chickpea and Tomato Salad (page 42)

    Step 7

    or

    Step 8

    Chickpea Salad with Roasted Peppers (page 42)

    Step 9

    Fresh Italian bread

    Step 10

    Baby carrots and sliced red peppers

  3. nutrition information

    Step 11

    Calories: 244

    Step 12

    Total Fat: 12g

    Step 13

    Protein: 9g

    Step 14

    Carbohydrate: 23g

    Step 15

    Cholesterol: 25mg

    Step 16

    Sodium: 321mg

The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet
Read More
Like tiny tomato galettes and chimichurri grilled shrimp.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The secret to juicy grilled chicken, a sheet-cake swap for banana pudding, and more reasons to light up the grill and have people over all summer long.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Choose your own adventure at the supermarket with marinated artichokes, beans, peppers, and of course, olives.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.