Description

Asparagus Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the essence of spring with its fresh and vibrant flavors. This quick and easy recipe features perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a creamy asparagus pesto made from bright green asparagus, aromatic basil, and rich Parmesan cheese. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of buttery pine nuts and fragrant garlic, creating an experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces spaghetti or penne
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for about 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
In a food processor, blend blanched asparagus (reserving some for garnish), basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Toss the cooked pasta with the asparagus pesto in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and reserved asparagus on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Boiling/Blending
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
Calories: 470
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: - Use seasonal asparagus for optimal flavor.- For a vegan option, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.- Experiment by adding other herbs like parsley or substituting walnuts for pine nuts.