Description
This creamy asparagus pasta recipe features tender asparagus blended into a luscious cream sauce, accented by garlic and parmesan, then tossed with perfectly cooked tagliatelle. A simple yet elegant dish that highlights fresh spring vegetables in a comforting and flavorful pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled but left whole
Dairy
- 142ml tub double cream
- 50g parmesan, half grated, half shaved
Pasta
- 250g tagliatelle
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus: Trim and discard the woody ends of the asparagus, then carefully separate the tender tips from the stalks. Keep the two parts in separate groups for later use.
- Make the cream base: In a small saucepan, bring the double cream and whole garlic cloves to a boil. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and take out the garlic cloves. Set the cream aside to infuse flavor.
- Cook asparagus stalks: Boil the asparagus stalks in salted water for 4-5 minutes until tender. Drain them well, then add them to the cream along with the grated parmesan cheese. Use a hand blender to blitz the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the pasta and tips: Cook the tagliatelle according to the package instructions. Add the asparagus tips to the pot 2 minutes before the end of the pasta’s cooking time to tenderize them.
- Combine and serve: Gently heat the asparagus cream sauce. Drain the pasta and tips well, then toss everything together in a bowl with the warm cream sauce. Divide the pasta into serving bowls, top each with parmesan shavings, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Removing the garlic after boiling infuses flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Blending the asparagus stalks into the cream creates a smooth, uniform sauce with a vibrant green color.
- Adding the asparagus tips late in the pasta cooking ensures they remain tender but retain some texture.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated and shaved parmesan.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh creaminess and texture of the asparagus.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: asparagus pasta, creamy pasta, tagliatelle recipe, vegetarian pasta, spring vegetable pasta, parmesan cream sauce
