Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of vibrant, green-ribboned asparagus pasta that looks like it belongs in a gourmet restaurant but can be created right in your own kitchen. This Vegan Shaved Asparagus Pesto Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning, plant-based masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 bunch asparagus, shaved
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cherry tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus under cool water and trim off the tough ends. Using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline, shave the asparagus into thin ribbons. Set aside.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta of your choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shaved asparagus to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until the asparagus is tender but still bright green. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sautéed asparagus.
- Pour the pesto over the pasta and asparagus mixture. Toss everything together gently, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the pesto coat the pasta evenly.
- Once everything is well combined, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates or bowls. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh touch and extra color.
- Enjoy your Vegan Shaved Asparagus Pesto Pasta warm, and feel free to add more cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor!
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus for the best shaving results - look for bright green stalks with tight, compact tips.
- When shaving asparagus, use a sharp vegetable peeler and apply gentle, consistent pressure to create those beautiful, delicate ribbons.
- Don't overcook the asparagus - you want it tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a silky, smooth sauce when mixing with pesto.
- For extra flavor, toast some pine nuts or nutritional yeast as a garnish to add depth and a nutty complexity to your dish.
- If you're short on time, store-bought vegan pesto works perfectly, but homemade always tastes more special!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
