Asparagus Pesto Pasta

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by Emma Taylor

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Have you ever tasted a dish that instantly transports you to a sun-drenched Italian terrace? Asparagus Pesto Pasta is just that culinary escape. With its vibrant green hues and rich flavors, this dish combines the earthy taste of asparagus with the fragrant aroma of fresh basil and garlic. It’s not only visually appealing but also an explosion of tastes and textures that will leave your palate singing.

Asparagus Pesto Pasta Dish
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As spring arrives, so does an abundance of fresh produce like tender asparagus. This recipe highlights the seasonal star in a creamy pesto sauce that clings beautifully to perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Impress your guests or simply treat yourself; either way, you’ll savor every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Asparagus Pesto Pasta

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: You can whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from the nuts in the pesto, this dish is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
  • Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness or substitute different herbs to suit your preferences.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Asparagus Pesto Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta like spaghetti or penne; whole grain options work well too.
  • Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm stalks with bright green color; they should snap easily when bent.
  • Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds aromatic flavor; use young leaves for the best taste.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will provide robust flavor; adjust quantity according to your preference.
  • Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts give the pesto its signature creaminess; feel free to substitute walnuts if desired.

For the Sauce:

  • Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of your pesto significantly.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds richness; you can also use nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Asparagus Pesto Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus

While the pasta cooks, trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for about two minutes until they are bright green.

Step 3: Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth; add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta and blanched asparagus. Pour over prepared pesto and toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can add more olive oil if desired.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Transfer to plates or bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts if you wish.

Serving and storing

 

Serving Suggestions

This Asparagus Pesto Pasta is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

  • Grilled Chicken: The light flavors complement grilled chicken beautifully.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color.
  • Crusty Bread: Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a hearty meal.

FAQs

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen asparagus when making Asparagus Pesto Pasta. While fresh asparagus offers a better texture and flavor, frozen asparagus is convenient and can be used in a pinch. Just thaw it before using, and remember that cooking times may be slightly reduced since it’s already blanched.

Is Asparagus Pesto Pasta suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! Asparagus Pesto Pasta is perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat or fish products. The dish is rich in vegetables and flavor from the pesto made with basil, nuts, and cheese. You can also substitute nutritional yeast for cheese if you want a vegan version.

How long does leftover Asparagus Pesto Pasta last?

Leftover Asparagus Pesto Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Can I make pesto ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pesto ahead of time for your Asparagus Pesto Pasta. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for longer storage—up to three months. This way, you can have fresh pesto ready whenever you want to whip up this dish.

Conclusion for Asparagus Pesto Pasta

In summary, Asparagus Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that blends vibrant flavors with simple ingredients. By using fresh asparagus and homemade pesto made from basil and nuts, you create a meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. This recipe not only emphasizes seasonal produce but also allows flexibility with serving options such as grilled meats or bread on the side. Whether you’re preparing dinner for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish will impress everyone at your table while being easy to make. Enjoy your culinary journey with this refreshing recipe!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Asparagus Pesto Pasta Dish

Asparagus Pesto Pasta


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  • Author: Emma Taylor
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Asparagus Pesto Pasta is a delightful celebration of spring’s fresh produce, featuring tender asparagus paired with a creamy homemade pesto that bursts with flavor. This vibrant dish combines the earthy taste of asparagus, aromatic basil, and nutty pine nuts, all enveloping your favorite pasta for a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion—from a quick weeknight dinner to an elegant gathering—this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also showcases seasonal ingredients at their best. Enjoy the delightful combination of tastes and textures as you serve this colorful plate that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces, and blanch in boiling water for about two minutes until bright green. Transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
  3. In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil; blend until smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
  4. In a large bowl, mix drained pasta with blanched asparagus and pesto until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or toasted pine nuts if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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