Imagine a restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering culinary experience right in your own kitchen. This Beef and Asparagus Pasta Toss is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines tender beef strips, crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked pasta in a quick, elegant preparation that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight dinner, this recipe is your ticket to instant kitchen stardom!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb beef strips
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, trim the asparagus by cutting off the tough woody ends. Cut asparagus into 2-inch diagonal pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Pat beef strips dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add beef strips in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Sear beef strips for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked to your desired doneness. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to pot and add seared beef and asparagus.
- Toss ingredients together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help create a light sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Pat your beef strips completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking beef—this ensures proper caramelization and prevents steaming.
- Cook asparagus just until it's bright green and tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining—it's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce that helps ingredients cling together.
- Use high-quality Parmesan and grate it fresh for the most intense flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture of the beef and the perfect al dente pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
