Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice of shape)
- 1 pound of fresh asparagus
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus and discard. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the asparagus. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss the pasta and asparagus until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
7. Serve the asparagus pasta hot, garnished with some additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Optional Additions
If you’d like to add some extra flavor and variety to this dish, feel free to experiment with these optional additions:
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Toasted pine nuts
- Freshly chopped basil or parsley
Simply toss in these ingredients during step 5 to enhance the taste and presentation of your asparagus pasta.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a delightful asparagus pasta dish that will impress your family and guests. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh flavors of asparagus combined with perfectly cooked pasta!