A Spring Delight: Creamy Asparagus Pasta Recipe

As spring starts to fill the air and the market stalls are dressed in green, it’s the perfect time to celebrate one of the most delicate and versatile vegetables: asparagus. And what better way to do that than by pairing them with a comforting and creamy pasta dish? Let me introduce you to a recipe that will turn your kitchen into a springtime paradise: a pasta dish with asparagus tips wrapped in a creamy sauce.

I still remember when my grandma used to make this dish; it was as if she could capture the essence of the season in every forkful. Now, with just a few simple but carefully chosen ingredients – ridged penne, fresh asparagus tips, golden butter, velvety cream, and Parmigiano Reggiano – you too can replicate that magic. The process is easy to follow and only takes 30 minutes of your time.

Let yourself be guided by the inviting aromas as you cook the asparagus in butter until they achieve that desired golden hue. The fusion of the asparagus’s sweetness and the cheese’s intense flavor will create a perfect balance on the palate. And for those who like to add a personal touch, a handful of chopped toasted almonds will add crunch to every bite.

Prepare your taste buds for this culinary experience where simplicity and elegance meet on your plate – a symphony of flavors heralding the arrival of the beautiful season.

Recipe Notes

• EASE: This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, taking only 15 minutes.
• PROS: It offers a creamy and rich flavor thanks to the combination of asparagus and cheese.
• PREPARATION: It’s easy to follow with just a few steps and common ingredients.
• NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 550 calories per serving, but you can reduce the calories by using low-fat cream.

Notes on the ingredients for the recipe

• Short Pasta: ideal for capturing the creamy sauce
• Asparagus Tips: add a springtime touch and fresh flavor
• Butter: adds creaminess to the sauce and enriches the dish
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: adds flavor and creaminess to the sauce
• Heavy Cream: makes the asparagus sauce creamy and velvety
• Olive Oil: for sautéing the asparagus and adding a touch of flavor
• Salt and Pepper: to adjust the taste of the sauce according to preference

Nutritional Aspects

Let’s discover the nutritional benefits of this delicious recipe for Creamy Asparagus Penne:

• Rich in fiber thanks to the fresh asparagus tips.
• Contains protein from grated Parmesan cheese.
• Moderate calorie intake, approximately 550 Kcal per serving.
• Butter and cream provide fats, perfect for a satisfying meal.
• Al dente pasta to maintain a low glycemic index.
• Olive oil, a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• A vegetarian option that combines taste and health.

Recipe for Penne Rigate with Creamy Asparagus Tips

Delicious recipe for penne rigate with creamy asparagus tips, enriched with grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of cream. A creamy and flavorful dish ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for a quick lunch or an elegant dinner. Try this Italian dish with a crispy twist of chopped toasted almonds!

Servings 4

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 400 g Penne Rigate
• 300 g Asparagus Tips
• 20 g Butter
• 50 g Parmesan Cheese Grated
• Cream Liquid as needed
• Oil Olive as needed
• Salt as needed
• Pepper as needed

Instructions

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne rigate according to the package instructions.
• Meanwhile, wash and cut the tips of the asparagus, saving the rest for another preparation.
• Boil the asparagus tips in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain them.
• In a pan, sauté the asparagus tips with butter, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Add some whipping cream and cook until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Cook the pasta al dente, drain it while saving some cooking water, and add it to the pan.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese and, if needed, some cooking water to make the sauce creamy.
• Mix well, adjust with pepper, and serve hot.

Notes

To add a crunchy twist, sprinkle some chopped toasted almonds on each portion before serving. This will add texture and flavor to the creamy asparagus pasta!

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 550kcal

Course: First Courses

Keyword: Asparagus Tips, Creamy Asparagus Sauce, first course, Italian cuisine, Parmesan Cheese, Pasta recipe, Penne Rigate, Quick recipe, Toasted almonds, Whipping Cream

Variations of Creamy Asparagus Penne Rigate

Feel free to add other spring vegetables like peas or zucchini for a fresh twist.

• Try swapping Parmesan cheese for Pecorino for a stronger flavor.
• For a lighter version, use ricotta instead of heavy cream.
• Experiment with adding crispy pancetta for a salty, smoky kick.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Asparagus Tipped Penne

If you’re unsure about how to prepare creamy asparagus tipped penne, you’ll find answers to the most common questions here.

How can I make the sauce creamier without adding cream?

You can add some creamy cheese like taleggio or gorgonzola.

Can I substitute penne with another type of pasta?

Yes, you can also use mezze maniche or rigatoni for this recipe.

How can I adapt this recipe to make it vegetarian?

Simply substitute the butter with olive oil and make sure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly.