Uncle Bill’s Asparagus Pasta Primavera
Description
This delightful dish was born from a need to utilize an abundance of homegrown asparagus, a scenario many home cooks can relate to when the garden is generous. Awarded a runner-up prize in a TASTE OF HOME contest, this pasta primavera showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, tender asparagus, savory ham, earthy mushrooms, and juicy plum tomatoes. For a twist, consider using spinach linguine or fettuccine to add a colorful element to this wholesome meal.
Recipe Category
One Dish Meal
Keywords
Spaghetti, Vegetable, European, Less than 30 Minutes, Beginner Cook, Easy
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 481.6 |
Total Fat | 23.9 g |
Saturated Fat | 10.7 g |
Cholesterol | 48.4 mg |
Sodium | 632.9 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 51.2 g |
Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g |
Sugars | 5.2 g |
Protein | 17.5 g |
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
6 tbsp | Butter |
3 tbsp | Olive Oil |
8 cloves | Garlic, minced |
1 1/2 lbs | Fresh Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces |
1 1/2 cups | Fresh Mushrooms, sliced |
1/2 cup | Cooked Ham, diced |
2 tbsp | Fresh Basil, chopped |
2 tbsp | Fresh Oregano, chopped |
2 tbsp | Fresh Rosemary, chopped |
4 cups | Plum Tomatoes, diced |
1 tsp | Salt |
1/2 tsp | Black Pepper |
12 oz | Linguine, uncooked |
1/2 cup | Parmesan Cheese, grated |
Instructions
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Melt the Base: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing the mixture to melt together beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful base for your dish.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Once the butter has melted, introduce the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook and stir the garlic for about 3 minutes, ensuring it becomes fragrant but does not burn.
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Incorporate the Asparagus: Stir in the fresh asparagus pieces, then cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the asparagus to steam for about 1 minute, which helps to retain its vibrant green color and crispness.
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Add the Vegetables and Herbs: Next, add the sliced mushrooms, diced ham, chopped basil, oregano, and rosemary to the skillet. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the mushrooms are softened, releasing their juices.
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Combine with Tomatoes: After the asparagus and mushroom mixture has reached the desired tenderness, add the diced plum tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes are heated through and juicy.
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Cook the Pasta: While your vegetable mixture is finishing up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
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Combine and Serve: Pour the asparagus mixture over the drained linguine, tossing gently to combine and coat the pasta with all those wonderful flavors. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top for that finishing touch.
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Enjoy: Serve this delicious Asparagus Pasta Primavera warm, perhaps garnished with a little extra Parmesan and a sprig of fresh basil for a beautiful presentation. This dish is not only quick and easy but also bursting with fresh flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends.
This quick and colorful pasta primavera is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, allowing the flavors of spring to shine through. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a dish that not only tastes great but also showcases the fresh produce that inspired it.