🍽️ Asparagus Pasta With Toasted Pecans 🌱
Asparagus Pasta with Toasted Pecans is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of asparagus with the nuttiness of pecans, all served over a bed of pasta. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
📜 History:
The exact origins of this dish are unclear, but it’s likely a product of modern culinary creativity, drawing inspiration from Italian pasta dishes and incorporating seasonal vegetables like asparagus. It’s a celebration of springtime when asparagus is in season.
🥘 Components:
- Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the star of the dish. It’s known for its unique, slightly earthy taste.
- Pasta: You can use your favorite pasta variety, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
- Pecans: Pecans provide a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a wonderful aroma and taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a cheesy, savory touch.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: For a burst of citrusy freshness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and maybe some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Fresh Herbs: You can add fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Prep Ingredients: Start by washing and trimming the asparagus. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserving some pasta water. Grate the Parmesan, and zest and juice the lemon. Chop the garlic and fresh herbs if using.
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Toast Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans until they become fragrant and slightly browned. Remove and set them aside.
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Sauté Garlic and Asparagus: In the same skillet, add some olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic until it’s fragrant but not browned. Add the asparagus pieces and cook until they are tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
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Combine Pasta and Asparagus: Toss the cooked pasta and asparagus together, adding some reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add lemon zest.
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Add Pecans and Cheese: Mix in the toasted pecans for that crunchy texture and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory note.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and maybe some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
⏰ Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Asparagus Pasta with Toasted Pecans may vary but typically takes around 30-40 minutes. It largely depends on your pasta’s cooking time and how quickly you can prepare and cook the asparagus and other ingredients.
This delightful dish is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️👌🍋
🥦 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Asparagus Pasta with Toasted Pecans 🍝
Here’s the nutrition information and some health considerations for this delightful dish:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Protein: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 5-7 grams
- Total Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
- Cholesterol: 10-20 milligrams
- Sodium: 300-500 milligrams
- Vitamin A: 15-20% of daily recommended intake (DRI)
- Vitamin C: 15-20% of DRI
- Vitamin K: 20-25% of DRI
- Calcium: 10-15% of DRI
- Iron: 10-15% of DRI
🌟 Health Information:
- Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
- Pecans provide healthy fats, primarily monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. They also offer a good amount of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
- Pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, but it’s essential to use whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Olive Oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats that may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Garlic contains compounds with potential health benefits, including immune system support and cardiovascular benefits.
- Parmesan Cheese adds calcium and protein but is relatively high in sodium, so use it in moderation.
- Lemon provides vitamin C and adds a refreshing zing to the dish.
- Fresh Herbs like basil or parsley are low in calories and add freshness and flavor.
🍽️ Healthy Eating Tips:
- Use whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Be mindful of portion sizes to control calorie intake.
- The asparagus in this dish provides essential vitamins and fiber.
- Toasted pecans offer healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
- Be cautious with cheese, as it can be high in saturated fat and sodium.
This dish can be a part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with a variety of vegetables and lean protein sources. The key is moderation and being mindful of portion sizes to maintain a healthy diet. Enjoy your meal while reaping the nutritional benefits! 🌿🍝🥗
