Asparagus Pasta Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Savor every bite of Asparagus Pasta—a perfect blend of baby shells, asparagus, garlic, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese, ready in just 30 minutes, that’s sure to please!

Cook Time30

Total Time30

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: Servings

Calories: 323kcal

Author: Linda

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat pasta I used baby shells, but you could try penne or maybe bowtie
1 bunch asparagus tough ends trimmed
1 half onion diced
1 clove garlic minced
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
2 tsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. red wine
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Boil 6 cups of water in a large pot. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes until it is tender-crisp (it will be bright green and tender but not limp).
Remove asparagus from the pot but reserve the water. Add your pasta to the water and cook according to package instructions or until al dente.
Meanwhile, dice your onion, mince your garlic, and chop your cooked asparagus.
Once cooked, drain your pasta and set aside. Reserve about a cup of cooking liquid.
Add the oil, onion, and garlic to your pot and cook on medium-high until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Add the red wine to de-glaze the pan. Let the wine come to a boil and use a wooden spoon to scrape any good brown bits from the bottom of your pan. Reduce the heat to simmer and add your marinara sauce and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine.
Return the cooked pasta and chopped cooked asparagus to the pan. Add a little cooking liquid if the mixture is too thick, and stir in your Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

To store Asparagus Pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition