Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, adorned with tender, vibrant asparagus and a luxurious Parmesan coating that will make your taste buds dance! This Asparagus Bow Tie Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick gourmet dinner or a home cook wanting to impress, this Italian-inspired recipe promises to elevate your weeknight cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the bow tie pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare the asparagus. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 2 inches long.
- Once the water is boiling, add the bow tie pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus pieces to the pot with the pasta. This will allow the asparagus to cook until tender but still crisp.
- While the pasta and asparagus are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Once the pasta and asparagus are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and asparagus in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it is melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the Asparagus Bow Tie Pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips. The fresher the asparagus, the more tender and flavorful your dish will be.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Don't be shy with salt when boiling pasta. It should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta from within.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Watch Your Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to prevent burning, which can make it bitter. Medium heat is your friend here.
- Cook Asparagus Al Dente: Add asparagus to the pasta water in the last 3 minutes of cooking to maintain its crisp texture and bright green color.
- Finish with Fresh Cheese: For an extra luxurious touch, garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
