Penne with Asparagus

Penne with Asparagus Recipe | Vegetarian Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Penne with asparagus is a delicious and nutritious pasta dish that combines the flavors of tender asparagus with a creamy tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Penne with asparagus is a modern twist on traditional pasta dishes that originated in Italy. Asparagus has been used in Italian cuisine for centuries, prized for its unique flavor and nutritional benefits. This recipe combines the classic flavors of asparagus with a creamy tomato sauce to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) penne or ziti
1 tbsp olive oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 cup prepared tomato sauce
0.67 cup half-and-half or plain soy milk
2 lb (907 g) thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
0.5 tsp dried tarragon
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground pepper

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and stir to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta until it is just tender according to the package directions, about 10 minutes.
Drain the pasta well.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, for 6 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the tomato sauce and half-and-half, increase the heat to high, and bring it to a boil.
Add the asparagus and tarragon, then reduce the heat to low.
Partially cover and cook until the asparagus is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened, for 10 to 12 minutes.
Add the pasta to the asparagus mixture along with salt and pepper.
Toss until the pasta is well coated.
Serve hot.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to trim the tough ends of the asparagus before cutting them into 1-inch pieces.

- Cooking the pasta until it is just tender will ensure that it doesn't become mushy when combined with the sauce.

- Stirring the pasta occasionally while cooking will prevent it from sticking together.

- Adding salt and pepper to taste at the end of cooking will allow you to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Penne with asparagus can be served as a main dish with a side salad or garlic bread. It can also be paired with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the pasta until just tender.

- Sauteing the shallots before adding the tomato sauce.

- Simmering the sauce with the asparagus until tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of ziti.

- Substitute any type of milk for soy milk.

- Use any type of onion in place of shallots.

Make Ahead Tips

Penne with asparagus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Penne with asparagus pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 15% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Penne with asparagus is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a balanced meal that provides essential nutrients for a healthy diet.

Summary

Penne with asparagus is a delicious and nutritious pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a creamy tomato sauce and tender asparagus, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a sunny spring day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Maria was known for her delicious and inventive dishes, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together.

On this particular day, Maria had a special treat in store for me. She told me she had recently learned a new recipe for penne with asparagus, and she couldn't wait to share it with me. I was intrigued, as I had never tried a pasta dish with asparagus before. As we gathered the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen, Maria began to regale me with the story of how she had come across the recipe.

It turns out that Maria had been on a trip to Italy the previous year, and had stumbled upon a small, family-owned trattoria in the heart of Tuscany. The owner, a friendly and outgoing woman named Signora Rosa, had taken Maria under her wing and taught her the secrets of traditional Italian cooking. It was during one of their late-night cooking sessions that Signora Rosa had shared her recipe for penne with asparagus, a dish that had been passed down in her family for generations.

As Maria recounted the story, I could see the twinkle of excitement in her eyes. She had clearly been inspired by Signora Rosa's passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving traditional recipes. As we finished cooking the dish and sat down to enjoy it together, I could see why Maria had been so eager to share it with me. The penne was perfectly al dente, and the asparagus added a fresh, crunchy element that complemented the creamy sauce beautifully. It was a dish that was simple yet elegant, and I knew that it would become a staple in my own repertoire.

Since that day, I have made penne with asparagus countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added a splash of white wine for a touch of acidity, and sometimes I throw in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. But no matter how I choose to make it, the dish always brings back memories of that sunny spring day in Maria's kitchen, and the joy of discovering a new recipe that has since become a beloved favorite.

As I sit here now, penne with asparagus bubbling away on the stove, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the wonderful meals I have shared with my family and friends over the years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful for all the recipes I have collected along the way. Each one tells a story, and each one holds a special place in my heart. And as I take a bite of the penne with asparagus, I know that this recipe will always be a reminder of the day I learned it from my dear friend Maria, and the magic of discovering something new in the kitchen.