Forktionary

Asparagus Pasta With Pesto Recipe

This vibrant Asparagus Pasta with Creamy Pesto recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal bursting with fresh flavors! Tender asparagus spears tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a luscious homemade pesto create a delightful culinary experience. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a light and satisfying lunch.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 143.3 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Asparagus Pasta With Pesto 67

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Asparagus Pasta With Pesto

  • 1 pound pasta (any kind)
  • 1 bunch (about 1 pound) fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, firmly packed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; extra grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • crusty French bread, for serving

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Asparagus Pasta With Pesto? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Asparagus Pasta With Pesto

  1. Prepare the pesto: Combine 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth.
  2. Sauté 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1/2 cup chopped onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until lightly browned (about 3-5 minutes). Do not overcook.
  3. Set the sautéed garlic and onion aside and keep warm.
  4. Cook 1 pound pasta (your choice) according to package directions. Add 1-2 cups of additional water just before the water comes to a boil to ensure the vegetables cook properly. Add 1 bunch (about 1 pound) asparagus, trimmed, during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
  5. Drain the pasta and asparagus, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  6. Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet with the sautéed garlic and onion. Stir in the pesto and 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
  7. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto. Top with extra Parmesan cheese (optional).
  8. Serve immediately with crusty French bread. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

3g

Fat

9g

Carbs

1g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Low Protein Healthy Lunch Main Dish Pasta Vegetables Easy European Beginner Cook Potluck Dinner Party Heirloom Historical Holiday Event Picnic Romantic Italian Stove Top Dietary Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Seasonal Comfort Food Low Carb Wedding Healthy 2 Low In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Asparagus Novelty Taste Mood To Go Equipment