Looking for a quick and delicious meal that bursts with fresh flavors? Look no further than our Penne Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes recipe! This vibrant Italian dish combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with tender asparagus and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend treat. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you! Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to elevate your dinner game in no time.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus by washing and trimming the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces at a diagonal for an elegant presentation.
- In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the asparagus pieces directly to the boiling water to blanch them, ensuring they remain bright green and crisp-tender.
- Drain the pasta and asparagus in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and release their juices.
- Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet, tossing gently to combine with the tomatoes and garlic. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Transfer to serving plates and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your boiling water generously; it should taste like the sea! This enhances the flavor of the pasta as it cooks.
- Asparagus Prep: For the best texture, choose fresh asparagus that is bright green and firm. Trim the woody ends, and cut at a diagonal for an elegant presentation.
- Timing is Key: Add the asparagus to the boiling pasta water in the last 3 minutes of cooking to ensure it remains crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
- Garlic Golden Rule: Sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—about 30-45 seconds. Overcooking can lead to a bitter taste, so keep an eye on it!
- Moisture Matters: If your pasta and vegetable mixture seems a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water. This will help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Cheese Please: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, savory finish to your dish.
- Garnish for Greatness: Serve your Penne Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
