Angel Hair Pasta with Creamy Asparagus Sauce
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Indulge in the decadent flavors of this creamy Italian pasta dish featuring delicate angel hair pasta paired with a luscious asparagus sauce. If you can’t find angel hair pasta, feel free to substitute it with spaghetti for equally delightful results.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Vegetable, European, Less than 60 Minutes, Stove Top
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1146.5
- Fat: 57.5g
- Saturated Fat: 33g
- Cholesterol: 180.8mg
- Sodium: 323.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 128.8g
- Fiber: 14.9g
- Sugar: 10.4g
- Protein: 37.7g
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 shallots, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vermouth
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 600ml heavy cream
- 1 sweet pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 500g angel hair pasta
- 4 cups asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped shallots. Sauté until tender and aromatic.
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Enhance Flavor: Pour in vermouth and add chopped fresh herbs – basil, parsley, and oregano. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for approximately 5 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated, and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
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Create Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream and diced sweet pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and infuse with the essence of the peppers.
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Add Parmesan: Once the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the luscious sauce, adding a rich and nutty flavor.
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Prepare the Asparagus: Steam the trimmed and chopped asparagus until it is just tender, ensuring it retains its vibrant green color and crisp texture. Add the steamed asparagus to the creamy sauce, gently incorporating it to ensure every bite is bursting with freshness.
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Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the angel hair pasta until it reaches al dente perfection, retaining a slight firmness to the bite. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of the pasta water, and add it directly to the asparagus sauce.
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Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta gently through the creamy asparagus sauce, ensuring each strand is thoroughly coated in the luxurious mixture. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Transfer the heavenly creation to a large serving dish or individual plates, ready to be savored and enjoyed.
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Garnish and Enjoy: For a final flourish, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs on top before serving, elevating the dish with an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately, relishing in each creamy, herb-infused bite of this culinary masterpiece.
