Description
Asparagus Pesto Pasta combines tender asparagus, vibrant basil pesto, and perfectly cooked pasta for a fresh and flavorful meal. Featuring seasonal ingredients, this quick and easy dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a light vegetarian dinner or a springtime lunch.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Add asparagus: In the last 3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling pasta water to cook until tender-crisp.
- Reserve pasta water and drain: Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and asparagus in a colander.
- Combine ingredients: Return the drained pasta and asparagus to the pot. Add the basil pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss to coat: Toss everything together thoroughly, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce achieves a silky, smooth consistency.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
- Serve: Plate immediately and serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if preferred.
Notes
- Penne, fusilli, or farfalle pasta varieties work especially well with this recipe.
- For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Using homemade basil pesto will yield the freshest, most vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
