Creamy Asparagus Pasta
Flavorful Asparagus Pasta: A Rich and Creamy Delight
Discover a delightful pasta dish bursting with the fresh flavor of asparagus, offering a wonderfully creamy and savory experience. If you’ve only ever enjoyed asparagus grilled, it’s time to transform it into an exciting pasta ingredient. The fresh taste of asparagus harmonizes perfectly with the rich umami of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, creating a uniquely smooth and nutty flavor profile. This recipe is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for a quick meal or a special occasion home dinner party.
Main Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 80-90g Pasta (Rigatoni or your preferred shape)
- 5 Fresh Asparagus Spears
- 1/2 Onion
- 30g Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (grated or finely chopped)
- Salt to taste (for pasta water and seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by trimming off the tough woody ends of the asparagus spears, about 2-3 cm from the bottom. These parts can be fibrous, so it’s best to remove them.
Step 2
If the remaining lower part of the asparagus feels a bit rough, use a vegetable peeler to lightly shave off the outer skin. This step ensures a much more tender texture in the final dish.
Step 3
Cut the prepared asparagus spears into bite-sized pieces, roughly the length of your finger joint. Aim for pieces that are not too small, as they might break down too much during cooking.
Step 4
Peel the onion and mince it very finely. Finely minced onion will melt into the sauce, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the pasta.
Step 5
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, generously add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Salting the pasta water is crucial for seasoning the pasta itself from the inside out.
Step 6
Add your pasta to the boiling salted water. Cook according to package directions, but aim for about 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time (typically around 12 minutes). You want the pasta to be al dente – tender but still with a slight bite.
Step 7
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly with the oil.
Step 8
Add the minced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and releases a sweet aroma. Be careful not to burn the onion; adjust the heat as needed.
Step 9
Once the onion is softened, add the chopped asparagus to the skillet. Sauté with the onion for another 2-3 minutes, until the asparagus turns bright green and becomes slightly tender.
Step 10
Add about 2 tablespoons of the starchy pasta cooking water (pasta water) to the skillet with the onions and asparagus. This liquid helps to emulsify the sauce and bind the ingredients together.
Step 11
Season with a pinch of salt. Remember that the cheese will also add saltiness, so be conservative at this stage. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the asparagus flavors to meld.
Step 12
Remove about two-thirds of the cooked asparagus and onion mixture from the skillet and place it in a small bowl. This portion will be blended to create the creamy sauce base.
Step 13
Add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to the asparagus and onion mixture in the bowl. Blend these ingredients together until smooth. The cheese will add a wonderful depth and nutty flavor.
Step 14
If the blended mixture is too thick, gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of pasta water at a time while blending, until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust until it’s to your liking.
Step 15
You’ve successfully created a smooth, creamy asparagus sauce! This will form the luscious coating for your pasta.
Step 16
Return the skillet with the remaining one-third of asparagus and onion to medium-low heat. Pour in the blended asparagus cream sauce and stir gently. Cook for a minute until the sauce is heated through and fragrant.
Step 17
Add the cooked pasta (rigatoni) to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Continue tossing for about 1 minute.
Step 18
Once the pasta and sauce are beautifully combined, plate the dish attractively. Garnish with extra grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese or fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Asparagus Pasta!
