Penne with roasted asparagus
Indulge in a delightful dish of Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter Sauce. This recipe features tender asparagus roasted to perfection, paired with whole-wheat pasta and a rich balsamic butter sauce. Topped with freshly grated parmesan, it's a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious!
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 cup asparagus1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
10 oz whole-wheat pasta
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Penne with roasted asparagus and balsamic butter sauce is a delightful and wholesome dish that brings together the nutty flavors of whole-wheat pasta, the fresh, tender bites of roasted asparagus, and the rich, tangy goodness of balsamic butter. This meal is both simple to prepare and sophisticated enough to impress your dinner guests.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and season with 1/2 tsp of salt and the black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water (using 1 tsp of the salt) to a boil.
- Add the whole-wheat penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set both the pasta and reserved water aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture is reduced by about half and slightly syrupy, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the butter pieces until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Season with the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked penne, roasted asparagus, and balsamic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips:
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus spears to ensure the best texture and flavor. Trim the woody ends before roasting.
- When roasting the asparagus, make sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking.
- Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot balsamic butter sauce.
- To prevent the balsamic vinegar from becoming too sharp, reduce it slowly over medium heat and add the brown sugar to balance the acidity.
- For an extra touch of richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the balsamic butter sauce before combining it with the pasta.
With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, Penne with roasted asparagus and balsamic butter sauce is a crowd-pleaser that elevates everyday ingredients into a gourmet meal. Enjoy this dish as a fulfilling lunch, a hearty dinner, or as a centerpiece for a special gathering. Bon appétit!
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 360kcal
Protein 7g
Carbohydrates 24g
Fiber 3.53g
Sugar 1.85g
Fat 30g
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