Description

This Asparagus Pasta offers a delightful blend of fresh asparagus, sweet peas, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, making it a perfect quick dinner. It’s easy to prepare, deliciously satisfying, and wholesome, ideal for your weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
Salt and pepper
1-1/4 cups chopped asparagus
1 cup frozen peas
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1-3/4 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup whole milk
2 cups mini pasta shells
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 large lemon (1/2 tsp zest; 1-2 tbsp juice)

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Instructions

Allow the milk to reach room temperature. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper; set aside.
In a large nonstick pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden. Add asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Stir in peas and garlic, cooking for an additional minute. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and cover to keep warm.
In the same pot, maintain medium heat and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the seasoning mixture until the butter foams.
Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, add the pasta shells, then reduce to a gentle boil. Cook uncovered for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, leaving a creamy sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. Add the cooked vegetable mixture, remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gently combine and adjust seasoning with additional milk if necessary.
Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, reduce the amount of butter and cheese.
Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for more flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 40mg