Pasta with white asparagus
Enjoy a creamy bowl of pasta with white asparagus, where we toss white asparagus, pine nuts, and cooked ham in a silky sauce. This recipe is super easy and quick to pull together, so it is just as great for a lazy lunch as it is for a cosy dinner. Grab a pan and give it a go!
Ingredients
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Pasta, for example, fettuccine
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500 g |
|---|---|
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White asparagus
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500 g |
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White onion
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1 |
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Butter
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30 g |
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Pine nuts
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15 g |
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Cooked ham
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150 g |
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Salt
|
|
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Pepper
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|
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Fresh chives, finely chopped
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25 g |
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Cooking cream
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200 ml |
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Select and prep the asparagus
Choose firm, straight stalks with tightly closed tips – this signals they are fresh. They should be white all over with no blemishes or bruises. Before cooking, peel the stalks thoroughly with a vegetable peeler, starting just below the tip and working downwards. White asparagus has a tougher outer layer that needs to be removed to avoid a fibrous texture. Trim off the woody ends for a tender result.
Save the pasta cooking water
Save some of the pasta cooking water before draining. The starch in the water helps emulsify the sauce, making it smoother and helping it cling to the pasta. Adding a splash while tossing everything together helps bring the sauce to the right consistency.
FAQ: Questions about pasta with white asparagus
For everything you need to know before you start cooking pasta with white asparagus, we have answered the most common questions right here.
How do I get al dente pasta?
Start with a large pot of boiling, salted water, giving the pasta enough space to move and cook evenly without sticking. Stir occasionally and cook until tender but firm to the bite. Use about 1 litre of water per 100 g of pasta and 1–2 teaspoons of salt per litre. Once al dente, drain immediately to stop the cooking process. And if you want to mix it with sauce, save some pasta water to help it coat better.
How to reheat leftover pasta with white asparagus?
Warm your leftover pasta with white asparagus gently in a pan over low heat to bring it back to life. Add a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce smooth and silky without thinning it. Stir now and then to heat it evenly throughout. Avoid high heat, as it can make the pasta mushy.
Can I use canned white asparagus for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned white asparagus, but keep in mind that it might have a softer texture than fresh asparagus. Make sure to drain and rinse it well to remove any excess brine. While fresh asparagus offers a firmer bite, canned white asparagus can still work in this recipe, especially if you are short on time or cannot find fresh. Just treat it gently when adding it to the pan to maintain its texture.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
2333 Kcal
| Fibre | 29.8 gram fibers |
| Protein | 106.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 371.2 gram |
| Fat | 44.3 gram |
Other recipes
Treat yourself to creamy pasta with white asparagus
Trust us, this pasta with white asparagus is just as dreamy as it sounds. The white asparagus brings a delicate, slightly sweet flavour, perfect for welcoming spring with open arms. Combined with the creamy sauce, the pasta and asparagus are coated wonderfully, resulting in a truly comforting meal. Plus, the asparagus offers a nice crunch and an earthy nuance, giving you freshness on one hand and creamy deliciousness on the other.
Savoury notes and added crunch from ham and pine nuts
The ham and pine nuts complete this pasta, giving extra character to the rich sauce. The cooked ham offers a meaty bite and a nice salty push, while the pine nuts hide between the pasta strands, offering a crunchy, unexpected surprise. And remember to toast the pine nuts. It unlocks their nutty flavour and makes them even more irresistible.
Quick and easy comfort food for the whole family
We cannot think of anything better than homemade comfort food after a long day, especially when it is ready in just 25 minutes. Our pasta with white asparagus keeps it simple with just a handful of ingredients but still has that cosy, rustic feel. And while it is a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight dinner, you can easily bring it along cold on a picnic, enjoy it for lunch, or serve it as part of a bigger spread with other favourites.
Want more quick and easy ways to enjoy asparagus? Try our oven-roasted asparagus, ready in just 15 minutes, or our green asparagus with potatoes for a simple 20-minute meal. And if you are in the mood for something a little different, our asparagus pancakes are a fun and tasty option that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in just 30 minutes.
Shake things up
Want to tweak this recipe a little? Go for it! Sprinkle some grated cheese on top; Parmesan for a bold, salty edge or Gruyère for creamy nuttiness. And if it needs a little freshness, a bit of lemon zest at the end vivifies everything with a citrusy perfume.
Are you craving more greens? Toss in some peas for small pops of subtle sweetness or sautéed spinach for a silky, earthy touch. Also, capers are always a good idea if you are after a salty, briny bite. Feel free to turn up the heat with a pinch of chilli flakes – they will wake things up without taking over.
