From the realm of Italian gastronomy, a culinary delight shall emerge: fettuccine entwined with an exquisite asparagus pesto. This tantalizing dish, rooted in Liguria and Tuscany, captures the essence of spring. Asparagus, prized for its verdant spears, mingles with vibrant basil, toasted pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil to compose a symphony of flavors. The fettuccine, made from delicate strands of pasta, will serve as the perfect canvas for this verdant sauce, creating a dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!
ASPARAGUS PESTO PASTA
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Cook 1 pound trimmed asparagus in salted boiling water until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to ice water to cool; drain and pat dry, then roughly chop. Puree the asparagus in a food processor with 1 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup fresh mint, 1/3 cup toasted unsalted pistachios, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper. Drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil and puree until smooth. Toss with 1 pound cooked pasta and 3/4 cup parmesan, adding pasta cooking water as needed to loosen.
ASPARAGUS AND PISTACHIO PESTO PASTA
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Trim the tough ends from the asparagus. Store half of the spears upright in a glass filled halfway with water to keep it fresh for a few days or until ready to serve. Chop the remaining asparagus and place it in a food processor. Add the mint, parsley, tarragon, cheese, pistachios, garlic and lime juice. Add the EVOO, pouring to a count of 6 (1/3 to 1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper. Pulse until the pesto comes together. Place in a small container and store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
- To serve, bring the pesto to room temperature and place it in a large, shallow serving bowl. Slice the reserved asparagus spears on an angle into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta and season with salt. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, then add the peas and chopped asparagus and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Scoop out 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the serving bowl to thin the pesto. Drain the pasta, peas and asparagus and add to the bowl. Toss 1 to 2 minutes to combine. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the shaved cheese.
- Cook's Note: The pesto can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
LINGUINE WITH ASPARAGUS PESTO
Asparagus dresses this spring pasta in pastel green. Use the stems to make a finely ground pestolike mixture with garlic, olive oil and cheese; reserve the tips for quickly cooking and then tossing into the skillet with the linguine and sauce just before serving.
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, pastas, main course
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Snap off and discard ends of asparagus. Cut off top two inches of spears and reserve. Chop rest of spears and put in food processor with garlic, processing until very finely minced. With the machine running, drizzle in olive oil. Add 1/2 cup cheese and pulse. Transfer mixture to a bowl, fold in lemon zest, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook about 6 minutes, until not quite al dente. Add asparagus spears to the pot and cook another 1 to 2 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
- Spoon 1/4 cup pasta water into a large skillet. Drain pasta and asparagus tips and add to skillet along with asparagus mixture and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring with tongs, 3 minutes or so, until ingredients are well blended. Check seasonings. Transfer to 4 warm plates, scatter with oregano and serve with extra cheese.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 577, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 70 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 455 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams
ASPARAGUS FETTUCCINE
Asparagus is in season, so celebrate with this satisfying meatless dish from Genise Krause of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The tender spears pair beautifully with the creamy white sauce, which is tossed with fettuccine right in the skillet.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the asparagus, onion and garlic in butter until tender. , Add the remaining ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is blended. Drain fettuccine; toss with asparagus mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 396 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 388mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 17g protein.
CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS FETTUCCINE
This is so rich and filling that one serving goes a long way. Crusty bread and a salad is all this creamy dish needs to make a complete and hearty meal.
Provided by STEPHNDON
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Chicken
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Add the asparagus during the last 3 to 5 minutes of cooking. Drain, and transfer to a large bowl.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and half-and-half. Cook until thick and bubbly. Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir in Parmesan cheese and chicken, and heat through.
- Pour sauce over pasta and asparagus, and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 567.1 calories, Carbohydrate 46.6 g, Cholesterol 113.7 mg, Fat 30.9 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 27.6 g, SaturatedFat 18.3 g, Sodium 365 mg, Sugar 3 g
ASPARAGUS PESTO
Making asparagus pesto lets you use the peel, which contains a ton of flavor even though it's sometimes too tough and stringy to eat. Puréeing lets you sidestep this issue: you keep the peel, and the flavor, but your food processor pulverizes the fibers, even if you use thick spears.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories easy, quick, weekday, condiments, dips and spreads
Time 20m
Yield 4 to 6 servings (about 1 1/2 cups)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Add the asparagus and cook until fully tender but not mushy, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well, reserving some of the cooking liquid, and let the asparagus cool slightly.
- Transfer the asparagus to a food processor and add the garlic, pine nuts, 2 tablespoons of the oil, Parmesan, a pinch of salt and a couple of tablespoons of the cooking liquid. Process the mixture, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container if necessary, and gradually add the remaining oil and a bit more of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten if necessary. Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste, pulse one last time, and serve over pasta, fish or chicken (or cover and refrigerate for up to a day).
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 191, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 256 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams
PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS PESTO
Provided by Nathan Sivin
Categories Garlic Pasta Vegetarian Kid-Friendly Dinner Parmesan Pine Nut Asparagus Spring Healthy Gourmet Pennsylvania Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher Small Plates
Yield Serves 4 as a main course
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a 6- to 7-quart kettle bring about 5 quarts salted water to a boil for pasta.
- Have ready a bowl of ice water. Trim woody ends from asparagus. Cut asparagus stalks crosswise into 2-inch pieces, reserving tips. In a steamer set over boiling water steam stalks, covered, 4 minutes. Add reserved asparagus tips and steam, covered, until just tender, about 1 minute. Immediately transfer asparagus to ice water to stop cooking. Drain asparagus well in a colander and pat dry.
- In a food processor pulse pine nuts and garlic with salt until finely chopped. Add asparagus and oil and pulse until asparagus is coarsely chopped. Transfer pesto to a large bowl and stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta cooking water and drain pasta in a colander. Add pasta and reserved cooking water to pesto, tossing to coat, and season with salt and pepper.
FETTUCCINE WITH ASPARAGUS AND PEAS
Vicki Kamstra of Spokane, Washington writes, "I found this years ago, it has truly been a crowd pleaser. I often use whole wheat pasta instead; it's a great substitution!"
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute leeks in oil for 1 minute. Add asparagus and garlic; saute until asparagus is crisp-tender. Stir in the peas, salt and pepper., Drain fettuccine, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Place ricotta cheese in a small bowl; whisk in reserved cooking liquid. Whisk in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and zest. Add to the skillet; heat through. , Add fettuccine; toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.,
Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 363mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
FETTUCCINE WITH ASPARAGUS, BEET GREEN PESTO, AND POACHED EGG
Puréeing beet greens into pesto and tossing asparagus ribbons into fettuccine is a great way to incorporate healthy vegetables into pasta. A poached egg adds richness and protein to the dish. If you are following our $68 Dinner Story, reserve the beets for the Beet Risotto and 4 ounces of asparagus for the Frittata with Fennel-Spiced Pork and Asparagus .
Provided by Jill Santopietro
Categories Pasta Low Fat Vegetarian Kid-Friendly High Fiber Dinner Lunch Walnut Asparagus Beet Spring Summer Healthy Low Cholesterol Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher Small Plates
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium and toast walnuts, shaking pan often, until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate or bowl and let cool; reserve skillet.
- Pulse cooled walnuts, beet greens, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, 2 tsp. lemon juice, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup oil until a thick sauce forms. Add 2/3 cup Parmesan and pulse until well combined. You should have about 1 1/2 cups pesto.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a very low simmer. The water should register 180°F on an instant-read thermometer. Set a large bowl of ice water near your work station. Crack eggs into 4 ramekins or small bowls. Transfer 1 egg to a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium bowl to drain slightly (this will help remove extra egg whites and give the poached eggs a more compact shape). Carefully lower egg in strainer into hot water until egg is completely submerged. Gently shake strainer and carefully shape egg with a slotted spoon until edges of egg white start to turn opaque, 30-60 seconds. Carefully release egg from strainer into water with slotted spoon. Cook egg, turning and shaping occasionally with slotted spoon, until egg white is opaque and firm and yolk is plump and jiggles slightly to the touch, 3-3 1/2 minutes more. Transfer egg using a slotted spoon to the ice bath. As the first egg cooks, repeat steps to poach remaining 3 eggs, but keep an eye on which egg went in first. Use a timer to avoid overcooking.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil and cook fettuccine, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Using tongs or a spider, transfer pasta to a colander to drain. Reserve pasta cooking liquid in pot and set aside 1 cup liquid for the pasta sauce.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in reserved skillet over medium-high. Add asparagus and sauté until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup pesto and 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid; gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add fettuccine and simmer, tossing occasionally, until well combined. If sauce is too loose, continue to simmer; if it's too thick, add more pasta cooking liquid to loosen and stir vigorously to combine. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt, remaining 1 tsp. lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper.
- Meanwhile, return the pot of water to a very low simmer. Transfer eggs from ice bath to pot to reheat until warm, 30-60 seconds. Remove eggs using a slotted spoon and place on a plate rubbed with a little olive oil. Divide pasta among 4 plates and top with poached eggs and Parmesan.
- Do Ahead
- Pesto can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
FETTUCCINE WITH ASPARAGUS PESTO
Yum! Basil and cooked asparagus are blended into a tasty pesto, then served over pasta with asparagus tips. Great served with steaks or chicken or even as a meatless main dish. I think almonds, pine nuts or walnuts would be a good addition to the pesto. From "Sunset Magazine."
Provided by Tee Lee
Categories Cheese
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Steam or boil asparagus until just barely tender to bite, 4 to 5 minutes, drain.
- Cook pasta according to directions on package.
- Place the cooked pasta and the tips of the asparagus in a large serving bowl.
- Place the asparagus stems in a food processor along with the hot water, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and basil.
- Whirl until smooth.
- Pour asparagus purée over pasta, add salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Mix well to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 581.2, Fat 14.1, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 101.3, Sodium 152.5, Carbohydrate 92.7, Fiber 8.5, Sugar 5.5, Protein 24.2
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-made pesto or make a large batch and freeze it for later use.
- If you don't have asparagus, you can substitute another green vegetable, such as broccoli or green beans.
- To make the dish even more flavorful, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you want a creamier sauce, add a little bit of heavy cream or sour cream.
- If you're using fresh asparagus, be sure to trim the tough ends before cooking.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- For a vegan version of the dish, use vegan pesto and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
Fettuccine with asparagus pesto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of asparagus, pesto, and fettuccine is a classic, and the flavors are sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new pasta dish to try, give this one a try.
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