Springtime Asparagus Pasta Toss Recipes

PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook the garlic, red pepper flakes and hot pepper sauce in oil and butter for 1 minute. Add the asparagus, salt and pepper; saute until asparagus is crisp-tender, 8-10 minutes. Stir in cheese. Pour over hot pasta and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

SPRINGTIME PENNE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute asparagus and onion in butter for 5-8 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender., Add the ham, cream, pepper and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook over low heat for 1 minute. Drain pasta. Add to the asparagus mixture; toss to coat. If desired, top with shredded Parmesan cheese.

SPRING ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook, covered, until crisp-tender, 3-5 minutes. Drain; place in a large bowl. Add tomatoes; cover and keep warm. , Place vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, onion, salt and paprika in a blender; cover and process until smooth. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Toss with asparagus mixture. Top with almonds and, if desired, cheese.

SPRINGTIME ASPARAGUS PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt; keep warm. Heat dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add bacon and onions; cook 8 to 10 min. or until bacon is crisp and onions are tender.
• Add asparagus, tomatoes and red pepper; cook 5 min. or until asparagus is crisp-tender.
• Drain pasta. Immediately toss with vegetable mixture and mozzarella. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

SPRING ASPARAGUS ANGEL HAIR PASTA

Steps:

• Rinse the asparagus and remove the bottom inch of the stem.
• Cut the tips into 2 inch pieces.
• Cut the remaining piece julienned.
• Set the asparagus aside.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt.
• In a large nonstick skillet, saute the garlic, shallots and red pepper flakes in olive oil, until tender but not browned.
• Add the lemon juice and reduce by half.
• Drop the pasta and the asparagus tips into the boiling water.
• Cook until the pasta is ala dente, about 3 - 4 minutes.
• Drain for a few minutes and add to the pan.
• While the pasta is cooking add the remaining asparagus to the pan with the shallots and saute until they begin to wilt.
• Toss in the chives, the pasta and cook until the remaining water has evaporated.
• Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Remove from heat and add the Parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately.
• (When I make this a second time, I'm going to add a little lemon zest in step 7).

BEEF & ASPARAGUS PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• Cook pasta in boiling salted water 10 minutes or until almost tender.
• Add asparagus; continue cooking 3 to 4 minutes or until pasta and asparagus are tender.
• Drain well.
• Meanwhile brown ground beef in large non-stick skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is not pink, breaking up into 3/4 inch crumbles.
• Remove from skillet with slotted spoon.
• Pour off drippings.
• Heat oil in same skillet over medium heat until hot.
• Add shallots and garlic; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
• Remove from heat.
• Add beef; toss to mix.
• Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
• Combine beef mixture with pasta and asparagus in large bowl; toss well.
• Sprinkle with cheese, if desired.