Asparagus delight: A creamy pasta twist for spring tables
This simple pasta sauce serves as an excellent alternative to pesto. It's perfect for quick and light lunches on busy days, allowing you to enjoy what’s delicious right now.
The season for green asparagus is in full swing and will continue until the end of June. It’s worth making the most of it while you can. If you’re seeking an alternative to the classic asparagus with hollandaise sauce, try a delightful asparagus sauce for pasta. It beautifully coats the pasta and is sure to please your palate.
Asparagus sauce for pasta
Asparagus is typically eaten whole, only after breaking off the tough part of the stem, and sometimes makes its way into cream soups. In this recipe, however, it transforms into a smooth sauce that pairs wonderfully with pasta. It’s creamy, delicate in taste, and so delicious that it gives pesto a run for its money.
Tubes, spirals, spaghetti, ribbons — any type of pasta complements this asparagus sauce well. Additionally, the stalks soften nicely when fried, so you don't need a high-powered blender. This dish charms with its subtlety, winning over even the youngest family members.
Ingredients:
- 450 grams of green asparagus,
- 1 clove of garlic,
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil,
- 1 tablespoon of butter,
- 125 ml (½ cup) of heavy cream,
- 300 grams (10.5 ounces) of your favourite pasta,
- 3-4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese,
- Salt and pepper to taste,
Instructions:
- Wash the asparagus and trim off the woody ends.
- Cut off the tips and set them aside for later; chop the remaining parts into smaller pieces.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet and sauté the asparagus pieces.
- When they start to brown, add the chopped garlic.
- Transfer to a blender jar, add the cream, and blend. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more cream or a bit of water.
- Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Transfer the cooked al dente pasta to the skillet, add the asparagus sauce and grated Parmesan, and mix thoroughly over low heat.
- Sauté the reserved asparagus tips in butter.
Plate the finished pasta and garnish with asparagus tips. If desired, you can top it with grilled, fried, or air-fried chicken breast. Parmesan lovers can sprinkle an additional portion of cheese over the finished dish. Enjoy your meal!
