We wait all year for local asparagus and when it starts to come in, we find all kinds of ways to enjoy this amazing spring veg. This is a light, fresh dish that is perfect as a main course for lunch, or add your favorite protein for a scrumptious dinner. If you need to stay away from gluten, there are many terrific gluten free pastas out there that will work great. Tasty add-ins would be fresh spring peas or chopped ham or bacon. We’re going to add extra garlic and pepper flakes! This will be so tasty with our Dry Rosé or Riesling, or if you’re a red wine fan, try the Sangiovese or Malbec.
Cheers!
Lemony Asparagus Pasta
¾ lb. penne pasta
1 lb. thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2″ pieces
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small onion, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 c. heavy cream
1 c. dry white wine, (Albariño or Dry Riesling would be great)
1 small lemon, zested and juiced
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
1/4 c. fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions, until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Cook asparagus until crispy, then season with pinch of salt. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Cook onions about three minutes, add garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes more. Add white wine, reduce for 2 to three minutes, add heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Bring mixture to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Add in salt, Parmesan, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and mix until well combined.
4. Mix in pasta and a little pasta water and toss until well coated, allow to simmer 2 to three minutes until sauce thickens. Turn off heat and mix in asparagus and parsley until well coated. If sauce is too thick, add small amounts of pasta water until you reach desired consistency. Serve with more grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Serves 4
Enjoy!