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Asparagus Pesto Pasta

Asparagus Pesto Pasta Dish

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Asparagus Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh asparagus and homemade basil pesto with al dente pasta. This quick and nutritious meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. The creamy pesto sauce, infused with garlic and parmesan cheese, clings beautifully to the pasta, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Not only does it look stunning on the plate with its bright green hues, but this vegetarian dish also packs a healthy punch, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Whether you’re serving it at an intimate gathering or as a satisfying weeknight dinner, Asparagus Pesto Pasta is guaranteed to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim the asparagus.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté asparagus in a splash of olive oil for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove from heat.
  4. In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan; pulse until finely chopped. Gradually add olive oil while blending until smooth.
  5. Toss cooked pasta with sautéed asparagus and pesto sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Feel free to add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Substitute pine nuts with walnuts or sunflower seeds if desired.
  • This dish can easily be made vegan by using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition