Springtime Pasta Recipes

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.

SPRINGTIME PASTA

Steps:

• Boil the pasta in salted water. Add the kale for the final 2 mins, then drain, reserving a little of the cooking liquid.
• Meanwhile, dry-fry the bacon in a nonstick pan until crisp. Remove from the pan and drain off most of the fat, leaving behind about 1 tsp. Gently fry the onion in the fat for 2-3 mins until soft.
• Tip the cooked pasta and kale into the pan, then stir through the bacon and goat's cheese. Add a little of the pasta cooking water if the mixture seems a bit dry. Serve in bowls scattered with grated Parmesan, if you like.

QUICK SPRINGTIME PASTA

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Tip in the garlic and cook for 1 min until lightly coloured. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, then stir in the basil. Bring up to the boil, then turn down the heat and leave to gently simmer for 10 mins. Meanwhile, boil the spaghetti according to pack instructions.
• Drain the spaghetti, reserving a little of the cooking water separately, then return to the pan. Add the artichokes to the tomato sauce until heated through, then pour it over the spaghetti. Stir in a little parmesan, most of the chopped parsley and a splash of the cooking water if the sauce looks dry. Serve immediately with the remaining parmesan and parsley sprinkled over.

SIMPLE SPRINGTIME PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Tip in the pasta, cook for 3-4 mins. Add the frozen peas and broad beans, then cook for 1 min more to heat through. Drain well, then toss through the olive oil and lemon zest. Place on plates, dollop over the ricotta