🍽️ Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta: A Delightful Dish 🍝
Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the earthy, tender flavor of asparagus with the delicate, thin strands of angel hair pasta. It’s a dish that beautifully showcases the vibrant green of asparagus while offering a light and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make this culinary masterpiece. 😇🌱
📜 History:
The history of Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta is not as well-documented as some other classic dishes, but it likely originated in Italy, known for its delicious pasta recipes. Asparagus has a long history of culinary use and was a favorite among the ancient Greeks and Romans. Pairing asparagus with pasta is a modern twist that combines the elegance of asparagus with the simplicity of Italian pasta dishes.
🥦 Components:
To prepare Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 225g) angel hair pasta
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus (approximately 1 pound or 450g)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of one lemon
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Prepare the Asparagus:
- Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears and cut them into 1 to 2-inch pieces.
- Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant. Then, transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their color.
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Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s al dente, typically around 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, being careful not to let it brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet and let them heat through for a couple of minutes.
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Serve:
- Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy asparagus sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
⏲️ Preparation Time:
Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta typically takes around 30-40 minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
This dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with the vibrant green asparagus contrasting beautifully with the delicate pasta strands and creamy sauce. Enjoy your culinary adventure as you savor every bite of this Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta! 😋🍽️👼
🥦 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta 🍝📊
Here’s the nutrition information and some key health insights for a serving of Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta:
📈 Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: Around 400-450 calories
- Protein: About 10-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60 grams
- Fat: Roughly 18-20 grams
- Fiber: Around 5-6 grams
- Sugars: 3-4 grams
- Vitamins and Minerals: Asparagus is rich in vitamins K, A, C, and folate. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, and the Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and protein.
🌱 Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta is a relatively low-calorie dish, making it a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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Rich in Fiber: This dish contains a fair amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and helps you feel full and satisfied.
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Good Source of Vitamins: Asparagus is loaded with essential vitamins, particularly vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health. It’s also rich in vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health, and vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that boosts your immune system.
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Moderate Protein Content: With around 10-12 grams of protein per serving, this dish can contribute to your daily protein needs.
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Balance of Macronutrients: The dish offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates from pasta, healthy fats from olive oil and cheese, and protein from the asparagus.
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Moderate Sugar: Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta contains a small amount of naturally occurring sugars, primarily from the asparagus. It’s not high in added sugars.
Remember that specific nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes, ingredient brands, and cooking methods. To make this dish even healthier, you can use whole-grain pasta to increase fiber content and choose low-fat or plant-based alternatives for the cream and cheese.
Overall, Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta can be a part of a balanced diet, especially when prepared with a focus on fresh and wholesome ingredients. It’s a delightful way to enjoy asparagus’s health benefits in a delicious and satisfying meal. 😇🌱🍽️
