Description

Creamy Pasta with Asparagus is a sumptuous dish that combines the delicate flavors of fresh asparagus with a rich, velvety cream sauce. This recipe features bow tie pasta enveloped in a smooth sauce made from garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, accented with the nutty crunch of pine nuts and the freshness of parsley. Ideal for a comforting dinner or a festive gathering, this pasta dish is both easy to prepare and impressively elegant.

Ingredients

4 ounces bow tie pasta

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon chicken soup base (recommend L.B. Jamison’s)

2/3 cup heavy cream

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

6 thin spears asparagus, diagonally cut into 2-inch pieces, blanched

2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Additional Parmesan cheese, for garnishing

Instructions

Prepare bow tie pasta according to package directions.

In a 9-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and soup base until blended. Gradually stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper.

Add cooked pasta to the cream sauce, tossing until pasta is well coated.

Fold in blanched asparagus and garnish with crumbled bacon, toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Serve immediately.

Notes

Pasta Choice: Bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is recommended for this recipe due to its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, you can use any pasta of your choice, such as penne or fettuccine, depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
Cooking Asparagus: Blanching the asparagus ensures it remains vibrant and slightly crunchy, providing a textural contrast to the creamy pasta. Make sure not to overcook it to avoid a mushy texture.
Cream Sauce Tips: For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat heavy cream; however, for a lighter version, half-and-half or a plant-based cream can be substituted. Adding the cheese gradually while continuously stirring is key to avoiding clumps.
Protein Add-Ins: If you want to add protein to this dish, consider options like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. These can be cooked separately and added at the end with the asparagus.
Vegan Options: For a vegan version, use non-dairy butter and cream alternatives, and replace Parmesan cheese with a nutritional yeast blend or vegan Parmesan available in most health food stores.
Storing and Reheating: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently over the stove. Add a little milk or water when reheating to revive the creamy texture of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Complement this dish with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad dressed with a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 580 kcal