Creamy Asparagus and Fontina Gluten-Free Pasta

Asparagus and Fontina Pasta

Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

To prepare this delightful Asparagus and Fontina Pasta, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Asparagus
   Begin by trimming the asparagus to remove the tough, woody ends. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the asparagus stalks and then cut them into thin rounds.

2. Cook the Pasta
   In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt once the water begins to bubble, and then drop in the gluten-free tortiglioni pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking water for later.

3. Sauté the Asparagus
   While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the asparagus rounds, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the asparagus is tender but still vibrant and slightly crispy.

4. Puree Part of the Asparagus
   Take one-third of the sautéed asparagus and transfer it into a tall container. Add a ladle of vegetable broth or water, and use an immersion blender to create a smooth puree. Set this aside.

5. Combine Pasta and Asparagus
   Once the pasta is drained, add it to the skillet with the remaining sautéed asparagus. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated in the flavorful olive oil and asparagus mixture. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to help bind everything together.

6. Add Fontina Cheese
   Stir in the cubed fontina cheese, allowing it to melt gently into the warm pasta, creating a creamy texture.

7. Final Touches
   Once everything is well combined and the cheese has melted, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

8. Serve
   Your Asparagus and Fontina Pasta is ready to be served! Enjoy this delicious, creamy, and satisfying dish that perfectly balances the earthy flavor of asparagus with the richness of melted fontina cheese.

This simple yet flavorful pasta dish is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering. With the earthy richness of asparagus and the creamy, melted fontina, every bite will leave you craving more. The use of gluten-free tortiglioni makes it suitable for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining all the flavor of a traditional Italian pasta dish. Enjoy!