A friend made this for us once, just after our first baby came into the world. Exhausted, unable to focus on making food for ourselves, this rich, springtime dish was the perfect salve for hungry, new parents.
The proportions here serve 4 adults. We often halve it.
Here's what you need and how you do it
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices
1 pound bow-tie pasta
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine
3/4 cup heavy cream, half-and-half or plain Silk creamer
2 teaspoons freshly-grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup fresh, flat parsley leaves, chopped
Freshly ground pepper
Grated parmesan cheese
Steam asparagus until crisp-tender (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water. Drain well and set aside.
Meanwhile, bring water to boil in a sauce pan. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
In a deep skillet, heat butter and cream over moderately low heat until butter is melted. Stir in zest, lemon juice and salt.
Ladle 1/4 cup pasta water into sauce and drain pasta.
Immediately add pasta and asparagus to sauce in skillet. Cook and toss until warmed through. Add parsley, pepper and top with parmesan.
For a printable version of this recipe, click here.
OhMyGoodness! This looks and sounds so yummy! I love asparagus just about any way I can get it, but THIS? This would be the perfect meld of flavors and I can't wait to try it!
Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Posted by: Tatersmama | March 23, 2009 at 04:51 PM
What a wonderful way to eat fresh spring asparagus. Every spring I wonder why I didn't plant a patch last fall.
Posted by: Brindi | March 23, 2009 at 05:13 PM
That looks wonderful. Can't wait to pick up some asp at the market.
BTW, I love your title byline. :) cracks me up everytime.
allison
http://lastbite.blogspot.com
Posted by: allison | March 23, 2009 at 06:40 PM
I make a recipe very similar to this. Try throwing in some shrimp in the last few minutes - delicious!
Posted by: Tanya Harrison | March 24, 2009 at 01:12 PM
I would so eat this of course my guys would turn their nose up. More for me I always say.
Posted by: Michele | March 25, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Yum! I have made something similar with artichokes, and another time with broccoli. Now I must try with asparagus!
Posted by: Two Barking Dogs | March 26, 2009 at 11:57 AM
somehow, miraculously, i have everyone of these ingredients. looks like we're having this for dinner tonight. thanks!!
Posted by: Teresa | March 26, 2009 at 04:28 PM
This sounds delicious! I will have to give this recipe a try! I might roast the asparagus instead of steam and see how it turns out! Looks yummy!
Posted by: Michelle Nichols | April 11, 2009 at 04:14 PM
oooh... I'm making this for my family. I dare them not to like it.
Posted by: Amanda | May 04, 2009 at 06:08 PM