Meals Matter

Creamy Asparagus Pasta

Contributed By: EatingWell
www.eatingwell.com with permission. Photo by Ken Burris.

Lemon zest ties all the flavors together in this light and creamy pasta. Make it a meal: serve with a salad of sliced fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes tossed with a little fresh basil, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Ingredients

8 ounces Whole-wheat penne pasta

1 bunch Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces

1 1/2 cups Whole milk

4 teaspoons Whole-grain mustard

4 teaspoons Flour

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground pepper

2 teaspoons Extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons Minced garlic

2 teaspoons Minced fresh tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried

1 teaspoon Freshly grated lemon zest

2 teaspoons Lemon juice

1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 3 minutes less than the package directions. Add asparagus and continue cooking until the pasta and asparagus are just tender, 3 minutes more. Drain and return to the pot.

2. Meanwhile, whisk milk, mustard, flour, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant and lightly browned, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk in the milk mixture. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tarragon, lemon zest and juice.

3. Stir the sauce into the pasta-asparagus mixture. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sauce is thick, creamy and coats the pasta, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan. Divide the pasta among 4 bowls and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Recipe Comments

Commented by: anneperrone

This is a great recipe that is quick and easy. I substituted low-fat, lactose free milk and it worked well. I also used thyme instead of tarragon and added chicken. My family couldn't get enough! Be sure to use fresh asparagus because the texture really makes the dish.

 

Commented by: stacyjo

7 WW POINTS

 

Commented by: jmcgiverin

We all LOVE this recipe, and thanks so much for sharing it. I used soy milk and a non-dairy parmesan substitute and it cooked up just great. Thanks, again. Jen

 

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Recipe Details

Total Preparation Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Ingredients: Rice, Pasta & Bread
Actual Cooking Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 4
Special Features: Quick to Prepare (under 30 minutes)
Vegetarian
Nutrition Content: Good Source of Calcium
High Fiber
Meal Type: Entree

Nutrient Information

Calories: 359
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 30%
Sodium: 602mg
Fiber: 7g