Penne With Asparagus-lemon Sauce Recipe 🍝

Overview:

Welcome to a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of fresh asparagus and zesty lemon in this delightful Penne With Asparagus-lemon Sauce recipe! 🌿🍋 This dish celebrates the seasonal bounty of asparagus, infusing your meal with nutritious goodness and tantalizing taste. By incorporating the water from the asparagus and pasta, you’ll lock in essential minerals and elevate the dish’s overall health quotient. Let’s dive into the recipe and savor every aromatic bite!

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4-6 servings
Calories per serving: 397.1
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Based on 3 reviews)

Ingredients:

1 bunch fresh asparagus 🌱
5-6 cups water 💧
2-3 tablespoons sea salt 🧂
1 lemon 🍋
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 🫒
Freshly ground pepper, to taste 🌶️
14-16 ounces penne pasta 🍝
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano cheese 🧀

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Asparagus:

Snap the tough butt ends off the asparagus spears or peel them to reveal the tender core.
Cut the stems into 1-inch pieces, reserving the asparagus tips for later use.

2. Cook the Asparagus:

Bring 5-6 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of sea salt to the boiling water.
Cook the asparagus stems in the boiling water for 6-8 minutes until they are soft and tender.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the stems from the water, refresh them in cold water, and then drain them.
Cook the asparagus tips in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes until they are tender.
Once tender, remove the tips from the water, refresh them in cold water, and drain them.
Remember to reserve the asparagus cooking water for later use.

3. Prepare the Asparagus-lemon Sauce:

In a food processor, puree the cooked asparagus stems along with the zest of one lemon, extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup of the reserved asparagus cooking water, and salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the sauce to a 3-quart pot, ready to coat the pasta.

4. Cook the Penne Pasta:

Return the remaining asparagus cooking water to a rolling boil.
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook it until it is still slightly firm to the bite, around three-quarters of the recommended cooking time.
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 2 cups of the pasta water.

5. Combine and Finish:

Add the drained pasta, cooked asparagus tips, and 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water to the asparagus stem puree in the pot.
Cook the mixture over high heat, stirring continuously, for 3-5 minutes until the pasta is almost cooked and the sauce thoroughly coats the pasta.
If the sauce becomes too dry, add more pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
The sauce should surround the pasta but remain slightly liquid, as the cheese will thicken it further.
Finally, add the grated Parmigiano cheese to the pot, heat for an additional minute to melt the cheese, and serve the dish immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

Garnish your Penne With Asparagus-lemon Sauce with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a touch of elegance. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread to complete the meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones or a gathering of friends. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every forkful of this delectable pasta creation! 🌟🍽️