PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS

I am so happy, the garden is tilled and all my vegetables are planted. Well, almost all...I still need to put in zucchini and coriander. I had to plant early this year and I am crossing my fingers that we won't have a late frost.

Here is a perfect easy pasta recipe for the abundance of spring asparaagus.

Penne with Asparagus
Adapted loosely from Food Network's Pasta with Asparagus

3/4 pound penne
6 garlic cloves, minced or through garlic press
1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons butter
bunch fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt to taste
fresh ground black pepper
freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

In a large covered pot, boil water for the pasta. Once water is boiling, add penne and cook al dente...one minute less than recommended time.
In a large skillet add oil and butter on medium-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add asparagus and saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add pasta to skillet and toss to coat. Add Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.


PRINTABLE RECIPE