Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta: A Spring Delight
When spring arrives, thereโs nothing quite like the delightful combination of fresh asparagus and tender angel hair pasta to herald the season’s bounty. This vibrant dish, a proud winner of the Fresh Grocer Awards contest, marries the crispness of asparagus with the lusciousness of pasta, making it a perfect one-dish meal thatโs sure to impress family and friends alike. Letโs dive into the delightful world of flavors and textures that this recipe brings, as we guide you through the preparation of this exquisite dish.
Recipe Overview
| Category | One Dish Meal |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Description | A winning dish featuring asparagus and pasta, perfect for spring. |
| Rating | โ โ โ โ โ (5/5) |
| Review Count | 3 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Content | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 439.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 14.8 mg |
| Sodium | 274.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 51.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.9 g |
| Sugars | 3.9 g |
| Protein | 14.9 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Angel hair pasta | 1 package |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Asparagus spears | 1 bunch |
| Grape tomatoes | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Dried dill weed | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Avocados | 2 |
| Limes | 1 |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the angel hair pasta and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture. After cooking, drain the pasta, and to prevent it from sticking, toss it with 1 tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil.
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Sautรฉ the Garlic: In a skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic, allowing it to sautรฉ for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
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Cook the Vegetables: Introduce the asparagus and grape tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to ensure they are well-coated in the aromatic oil and garlic. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes, pouring in the chicken broth as you do so. This will help steam the vegetables, ensuring the asparagus remains tender yet vibrant in color.
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Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked angel hair pasta with the sautรฉed asparagus and tomato mixture. Toss gently, seasoning the dish with dried dill weed and freshly cracked pepper according to your taste preferences.
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Prepare the Avocado Mixture: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe avocados with the juice of the lime and lemon, along with the garlic powder. Blend these ingredients together until they form a smooth mixture, creating a refreshing contrast to the pasta.
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Serve: To serve this delightful dish, plate generous portions of the asparagus angel hair pasta and top each serving with a dollop of the creamy avocado mixture. Finish by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm pasta.
Enjoying Your Meal
As you sit down to enjoy your Asparagus Angel Hair Pasta, take a moment to appreciate the bright colors and fresh flavors that this dish embodies. Each bite provides a delightful combination of textures, with the tender pasta, crisp asparagus, and creamy avocado coming together to create a satisfying meal thatโs not only nourishing but also a true celebration of spring. Whether youโre preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and delight. Enjoy!
