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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

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