Cheesy Asparagus Pesto Pasta
A culinary masterpiece is this Cheesy Asparagus Pesto. Delight in the vibrant green hues and exquisite flavors of tender asparagus, blended with creamy Parmesan, and zesty lemon. This pasta dish promises a symphony of tastes, capturing the essence of spring on your plate, delivering a savory delight that lingers long after the last bite.
Total Time
25 min
Difficulty
Easy
Simple & Professional Tasty Recipes
Ingredients for 4 Servings
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300g fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
70g grated Parmesan cheese
50g pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, minced
60ml extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
250g pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti or penne)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Total Time
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Preparation Time15 min
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Cooking Time10 min
Goes Great with
Method
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- Blanch the Asparagus:
Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the asparagus pieces and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant green. Remove the asparagus with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Pesto:
In a food processor, combine blanched asparagus, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse paste. - Add Olive Oil:
With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil slowly until the pesto becomes smooth and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil if necessary. - Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the cooking water. - Combine Pasta and Pesto:
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the asparagus pesto, adding a bit of reserved pasta cooking water if needed to create a creamy consistency. Ensure the pesto evenly coats the pasta. - Serve and Garnish:
Divide the pasta into serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your Cheesy Asparagus Pesto pasta.
Pro Tips- Pesto Consistency: Adjust the pesto’s thickness by controlling the amount of olive oil. A drizzle can transform it into a creamy or chunky texture.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente for a satisfying bite. Reserve pasta water to adjust the consistency of your dish.
- Creative Garnishes: Elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or an extra shaving of Parmesan.
- Storage Tip: Store leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to maintain its freshness.
- Blanch the Asparagus:
Notes
Calories per Serving:
Approximately 380 kcal per serving. Enjoy this delightful Cheesy Asparagus Pesto Pasta, a culinary celebration of spring, for a gourmet experience.
Goes Great with