Indulge in a culinary journey with our exquisite Asparagus Pesto, a vibrant symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This versatile sauce, crafted from the finest asparagus, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil, is a culinary masterpiece that elevates any dish to new heights.
Within this comprehensive guide, you'll find a treasure trove of Asparagus Pesto recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic sauce. From the traditional Italian Asparagus Pesto, bursting with the freshness of spring, to the creamy and decadent Asparagus Pesto with Avocado, these recipes cater to a wide range of preferences.
For those seeking a vegan alternative, the Asparagus Pesto with Cashews delivers a delightful nutty flavor, while the Asparagus Pesto with Goat Cheese adds a tangy complexity. And if you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, the Asparagus Pesto Pasta will satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, our Asparagus Pesto recipes will inspire you to create unforgettable dishes. Prepare to embark on a flavor-filled journey as you explore the endless possibilities of this versatile sauce.
ASPARAGUS PESTO
Making asparagus pesto lets you use the peel, which contains a ton of flavor even though it's sometimes too tough and stringy to eat. Puréeing lets you sidestep this issue: you keep the peel, and the flavor, but your food processor pulverizes the fibers, even if you use thick spears.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories easy, quick, weekday, condiments, dips and spreads
Time 20m
Yield 4 to 6 servings (about 1 1/2 cups)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Add the asparagus and cook until fully tender but not mushy, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well, reserving some of the cooking liquid, and let the asparagus cool slightly.
- Transfer the asparagus to a food processor and add the garlic, pine nuts, 2 tablespoons of the oil, Parmesan, a pinch of salt and a couple of tablespoons of the cooking liquid. Process the mixture, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container if necessary, and gradually add the remaining oil and a bit more of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten if necessary. Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste, pulse one last time, and serve over pasta, fish or chicken (or cover and refrigerate for up to a day).
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 191, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 256 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams
LINGUINE WITH ASPARAGUS PESTO
Asparagus dresses this spring pasta in pastel green. Use the stems to make a finely ground pestolike mixture with garlic, olive oil and cheese; reserve the tips for quickly cooking and then tossing into the skillet with the linguine and sauce just before serving.
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, pastas, main course
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Snap off and discard ends of asparagus. Cut off top two inches of spears and reserve. Chop rest of spears and put in food processor with garlic, processing until very finely minced. With the machine running, drizzle in olive oil. Add 1/2 cup cheese and pulse. Transfer mixture to a bowl, fold in lemon zest, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook about 6 minutes, until not quite al dente. Add asparagus spears to the pot and cook another 1 to 2 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
- Spoon 1/4 cup pasta water into a large skillet. Drain pasta and asparagus tips and add to skillet along with asparagus mixture and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring with tongs, 3 minutes or so, until ingredients are well blended. Check seasonings. Transfer to 4 warm plates, scatter with oregano and serve with extra cheese.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 577, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 70 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 455 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams
SALMON PENNE WITH BASIL PESTO CREAM SAUCE, ARTICHOKES, AND ASPARAGUS
I first ate this dish at McCormick & Schmick's Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. Once I tasted it, I had to go home and duplicate it. This is approximate to the original dish, if not better!
Provided by By The Lake
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the salmon into 1 inch cubes and place in a buttered baking dish. Add the lemon juice to the melted butter and drizzle over the salmon. Season the salmon with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Do not let the salmon overcook. Remove immediately from the oven and keep warm.
- While the salmon is cooking, add the pasta to a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cut the asparagus into 1 inch pieces. Add the asparagus to the boiling water during the last three to five minutes of cooking. Drain and put in a large serving bowl.
- While the salmon and pasta are cooking, combine the butter, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and half-and-half in a saucepan. Season with garlic salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat. Add the pesto at this point. Go light with the pesto to ensure the sauce is lightly flavored.
- Mix the artichoke hearts with the asparagus and penne pasta and pour the sauce over the pasta mixture. Mix lightly to coat everything. Add the salmon cubes to the top of the pasta. If desired, serve with extra parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1239.9, Fat 72.3, SaturatedFat 40.7, Cholesterol 239.7, Sodium 843.8, Carbohydrate 108.4, Fiber 20.2, Sugar 3.9, Protein 45.8
PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS PESTO
Provided by Nathan Sivin
Categories Garlic Pasta Vegetarian Kid-Friendly Dinner Parmesan Pine Nut Asparagus Spring Healthy Gourmet Pennsylvania Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher Small Plates
Yield Serves 4 as a main course
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a 6- to 7-quart kettle bring about 5 quarts salted water to a boil for pasta.
- Have ready a bowl of ice water. Trim woody ends from asparagus. Cut asparagus stalks crosswise into 2-inch pieces, reserving tips. In a steamer set over boiling water steam stalks, covered, 4 minutes. Add reserved asparagus tips and steam, covered, until just tender, about 1 minute. Immediately transfer asparagus to ice water to stop cooking. Drain asparagus well in a colander and pat dry.
- In a food processor pulse pine nuts and garlic with salt until finely chopped. Add asparagus and oil and pulse until asparagus is coarsely chopped. Transfer pesto to a large bowl and stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta cooking water and drain pasta in a colander. Add pasta and reserved cooking water to pesto, tossing to coat, and season with salt and pepper.
PESTO CHICKEN & ASPARAGUS
With only five ingredients I can put a beautiful meal on the table for family or guests in very little time. I use store-bought pesto, which makes preparation quick and easy. This is a one-skillet dish, and it's also the only way I can get my 3-year-old son to eat asparagus. -Brooke Icenhour, Easley, South Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large skillet, saute chicken in oil until no longer pink. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, saute asparagus until crisp-tender. Stir in the cream, pesto and pepper until blended. Return chicken to the pan; heat through. Serve with couscous.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 525 calories, Fat 42g fat (19g saturated fat), Cholesterol 154mg cholesterol, Sodium 321mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 31g protein.
ASPARAGUS FRITTATA WITH BURRATA AND HERB PESTO
Frittata, the savory Italian egg dish, can be thick or thin, flipped in the pan or finished under the broiler. This one, slathered with creamy burrata and drizzled with herb-laden oil, is a rather deluxe version of the ideal, worthy of a weekend lunch or a late dinner.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories breakfast, brunch, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Rinse asparagus, and pat dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal, or into julienne strips if preferred. Set aside.
- In blender or small food processor, purée olive oil, basil and parsley to make a thin pesto. Season with salt and pepper.
- Put a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or other nonstick omelet pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add butter and swirl to coat pan, then add asparagus. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring for about a minute without browning.
- Quickly pour in eggs and stir with a wooden spoon, as if making scrambled eggs. Tilt pan and lift mixture at the edges to allow any runny egg from the top to make its way to the bottom. After 3 or 4 minutes, the frittata should be mostly set. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Lay a lid over the skillet, and turn off the heat. Leave for a minute or so, until frittata is moist and just done. (Alternatively, place pan under a hot broiler for a minute or so.)
- Set whole burrata in the center of frittata. Drizzle with herb pesto. Pierce burrata with tip of a knife and spoon contents over frittata. Cut frittata into wedges and serve directly from pan, garnished with basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 373, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 3 grams, Fat 34 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 352 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
ASPARAGUS AND PISTACHIO PESTO PASTA
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Trim the tough ends from the asparagus. Store half of the spears upright in a glass filled halfway with water to keep it fresh for a few days or until ready to serve. Chop the remaining asparagus and place it in a food processor. Add the mint, parsley, tarragon, cheese, pistachios, garlic and lime juice. Add the EVOO, pouring to a count of 6 (1/3 to 1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper. Pulse until the pesto comes together. Place in a small container and store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
- To serve, bring the pesto to room temperature and place it in a large, shallow serving bowl. Slice the reserved asparagus spears on an angle into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta and season with salt. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, then add the peas and chopped asparagus and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Scoop out 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the serving bowl to thin the pesto. Drain the pasta, peas and asparagus and add to the bowl. Toss 1 to 2 minutes to combine. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the shaved cheese.
- Cook's Note: The pesto can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
LEMON-GARLIC-HERB CHICKEN WITH GRILLED PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED ASPARAGUS AND PESTO 3 BEAN SALAD
Steps:
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Fill a small skillet with about 1-inch water and bring to a boil. Grate the garlic onto acutting board and add a couple teaspoons salt, mash into paste with the flat of your knife. Add salt to boiling water and cook green beans 1 minute then drain and cool under cold running water then reserve. Reserve 1/5 of the pasted garlic, about 1 clove and add the rest to a shallow dish. To the garlic, add the lemon zest, fennel seed, chopped thyme, rosemary, parsley and about 1/4 to 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil and some black pepper. Stir with a fork to combine then add chicken pieces and coat evenly. Grill chicken 12 to 15 minutes until juices run clear. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Trim asparagus of tough ends. Add salt and the asparagus to the water and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove from the water and place into an ice water bath to cool. Once cooled, pat dry with paper towels, drizzle with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Divide the asparagus into 4 piles and roll 2 layered slices of prosciutto around each pile to form bundles. Grill 7 to 8 minutes until prosciutto is crisp and spears are tender. Place basil and mint leaves in a food processor with the nuts. Add some salt and pepper and turn processor on. Stream in about 1/4 to 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil to form a thick pasty sauce. Transfer the sauce to a bowl. Stir in the reserved garlic paste and the grated cheese. Add the cooled green beans and the canned beans to the bowl and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning. Remove chicken from the grill and squeeze the juice of 1 of the zested lemons down over the meat while still hot. Serve 1 piece each chicken breast and thigh with an asparagus bundle and some bean salad alongside.
PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS PESTO
This is a new twist on pesto for all asparagus lovers! Shell pasta can be substituted for orecchiette.
Provided by es
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Pesto Pasta Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat; add pine nuts. Cook and stir pine nuts until fragrant and toasted, about 5 minutes.
- Pour enough water into a skillet to reach a 1-inch depth; bring to a boil. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove asparagus from skillet, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. Set aside 1/2 cup asparagus tips.
- Blend remaining asparagus, pine nuts, reserved 1/2 cup cooking water, 1/2 cup basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper in a blender until smooth, keeping the center piece of lid removed to release steam. Add Pecorino-Romano cheese; blend until smooth.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orecchiette pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain and return pasta to pot.
- Slice the remaining 1/4 cup basil. Add sliced basil, asparagus sauce, reserved asparagus tips to pasta; toss to evenly mix. Garnish with extra Pecorino-Romano cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 581 calories, Carbohydrate 89.8 g, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 7.9 g, Protein 19.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 587.5 mg, Sugar 5.3 g
ASPARAGUS PESTO PASTA
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Cook 1 pound trimmed asparagus in salted boiling water until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to ice water to cool; drain and pat dry, then roughly chop. Puree the asparagus in a food processor with 1 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup fresh mint, 1/3 cup toasted unsalted pistachios, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper. Drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil and puree until smooth. Toss with 1 pound cooked pasta and 3/4 cup parmesan, adding pasta cooking water as needed to loosen.
CAMPANELLE WITH PISTACHIO-MINT PESTO, ASPARAGUS, AND CHERRY TOMATOES
Upend your pesto routine by switching out the usual basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan for mint, pistachios, and pecorino. Crisp-tender asparagus and juicy cherry tomatoes round out this vegetarian pasta that's equally delicious warm or at room temperature.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a food processor, pulse 1/2 cup mint, pistachios, cheese, garlic, and zest with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until finely chopped. Add oil; pulse until a loose paste forms.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water 5 minutes. Add asparagus; cook until crisp-tender and pasta is al dente, about 3 minutes more. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Let cool 10 minutes.
- In a serving bowl, combine pasta and asparagus with pesto and tomatoes. Toss with 1/4 cup pasta water, adding more, a few tablespoons at a time, until sauce evenly coats pasta. Serve, topped with remaining mint, chopped pistachios, cheese, and a drizzle of oil.
SPINACH-RICOTTA PESTO PASTA WITH CRISP PROSCIUTTO AND ASPARAGUS
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. When it boils, add pasta and cook as indicated on box.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. When it shimmers, add prosciutto and cook, stirring occasionally, until prosciutto is crisp, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus and toss to coat evenly. Let cook until asparagus just starts to get browned on the edges, about 3 minutes.
- Remove 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add a few tablespoons of the water to the asparagus mixture, stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate browned bits, and remove from heat. Drain pasta and return to pot (off heat), add remaining reserved pasta cooking water, asparagus, Spinach-Ricotta Dip, and stir until thoroughly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning, as desired. Serve immediately.
- In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. When oil shimmers, add pine nuts and cook until they make a popping noise and start to brown, about 1 minute. Stir in garlic and onion and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer onion mixture to a food processor fitted with a blade, add in remaining ingredients, and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, as necessary.
FETTUCCINE WITH ASPARAGUS, BEET GREEN PESTO, AND POACHED EGG
Puréeing beet greens into pesto and tossing asparagus ribbons into fettuccine is a great way to incorporate healthy vegetables into pasta. A poached egg adds richness and protein to the dish. If you are following our $68 Dinner Story, reserve the beets for the Beet Risotto and 4 ounces of asparagus for the Frittata with Fennel-Spiced Pork and Asparagus .
Provided by Jill Santopietro
Categories Pasta Low Fat Vegetarian Kid-Friendly High Fiber Dinner Lunch Walnut Asparagus Beet Spring Summer Healthy Low Cholesterol Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher Small Plates
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium and toast walnuts, shaking pan often, until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate or bowl and let cool; reserve skillet.
- Pulse cooled walnuts, beet greens, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, 2 tsp. lemon juice, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup oil until a thick sauce forms. Add 2/3 cup Parmesan and pulse until well combined. You should have about 1 1/2 cups pesto.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a very low simmer. The water should register 180°F on an instant-read thermometer. Set a large bowl of ice water near your work station. Crack eggs into 4 ramekins or small bowls. Transfer 1 egg to a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium bowl to drain slightly (this will help remove extra egg whites and give the poached eggs a more compact shape). Carefully lower egg in strainer into hot water until egg is completely submerged. Gently shake strainer and carefully shape egg with a slotted spoon until edges of egg white start to turn opaque, 30-60 seconds. Carefully release egg from strainer into water with slotted spoon. Cook egg, turning and shaping occasionally with slotted spoon, until egg white is opaque and firm and yolk is plump and jiggles slightly to the touch, 3-3 1/2 minutes more. Transfer egg using a slotted spoon to the ice bath. As the first egg cooks, repeat steps to poach remaining 3 eggs, but keep an eye on which egg went in first. Use a timer to avoid overcooking.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil and cook fettuccine, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Using tongs or a spider, transfer pasta to a colander to drain. Reserve pasta cooking liquid in pot and set aside 1 cup liquid for the pasta sauce.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in reserved skillet over medium-high. Add asparagus and sauté until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup pesto and 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid; gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add fettuccine and simmer, tossing occasionally, until well combined. If sauce is too loose, continue to simmer; if it's too thick, add more pasta cooking liquid to loosen and stir vigorously to combine. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt, remaining 1 tsp. lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper.
- Meanwhile, return the pot of water to a very low simmer. Transfer eggs from ice bath to pot to reheat until warm, 30-60 seconds. Remove eggs using a slotted spoon and place on a plate rubbed with a little olive oil. Divide pasta among 4 plates and top with poached eggs and Parmesan.
- Do Ahead
- Pesto can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
ASPARAGUS AND MUSHROOM PESTO SPAGHETTI SQUASH RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: spaghetti squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, vegetarian parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, salt, oil, mushroom, asparagus, garlic, salt, pepper
Provided by Merle O'Neal
Categories Dinner
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- With a sharp knife, slice the squash in half. If the squash is too tough, puncture in several places forming a dotted line around the squash. Microwave for 3-5 minutes to soften. Allow to cool before cutting in half.
- Scoop out the seeds, brush with oil, and sprinkle with salt, and pepper. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce the skin.
- Meanwhile, in a blender combine basil, olive oil, vegetarian Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and salt. Set aside.
- In a pan add the olive oil and garlic over medium-high heat, sautè 30 seconds-1 minute, add in mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes. Add asparagus and stir until cooked.
- Remove squash from the oven, with a fork pull at the edges to produce that stringy "spaghetti" quality until you've completed both of them.
- In the mushroom and asparagus pan combine "spaghetti" and pesto and mix. Return to the squash and serve with or without plates. Garnish with parmesan.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 512 calories, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 46 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 10 grams, Sugar 6 grams
GRILLED CHICKEN & ASPARAGUS PASTA WITH PARSLEY PESTO
Using fresh, homemade pesto for this dish really gives it great flavor. Grilling the asparagus also adds a flavor boost!
Provided by MMers
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- For Pesto: Place all ingredients into a food processor and combine thoroughly.
- Set aside.
- (Pesto may be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature and stir before using).
- Grill chicken breasts on barbecue until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Slice and set aside.
- Meanwhile, cook penne in a large pot of water until tender but firm, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Break off tough ends of asparagus.
- Leaving whole, grill spears on barbecue when chicken breasts are almost done, about 5 minutes.
- Remove and cut into 2 inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss together pasta, chicken, asparagus, red pepper strips and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Gently stir in pesto and serve immediately.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH PESTO
Make and share this Roasted Asparagus With Pesto recipe from Food.com.
Provided by PalatablePastime
Categories Vegetable
Time 17m
Yield 2-3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix pesto with garlic and oil and toss with asparagus on a baking sheet.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Roast in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until done to your.
- liking.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve hot.
PESTO ASPARAGUS AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: garlic, asparagus, olive oil, salt, pepper, penne pasta, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt, sun-dried tomato, parmesan cheese
Provided by Tasty
Categories Dinner
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425˚F/220˚C.
- In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
- Remove the woody ends of the asparagus and discard. Cut the remaining spears into quarters and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper over the asparagus and toss so each piece is evenly coated. Bake for 10 minutes.
- In the boiling water, cook the penne for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente, and drain.
- Using a blender or food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil until it becomes a paste. Add in Parmesan and salt and blend.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted asparagus, and pesto (about 3 hefty tablespoons). Toss together and serve hot or cold, and top with Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 717 calories, Carbohydrate 63 grams, Fat 43 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 24 grams, Sugar 12 grams
ASPARAGUS PESTO
Provided by Michael Chiarello : Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 25m
Yield 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cut the cooked asparagus spears into thirds. Put in a food processor with the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and salt and pepper, to taste. Keep in mind you will add Parmesan as well, so be careful not to oversalt. With the machine running, slowly add the cup of olive oil. When the sauce is about the consistency of mayonnaise, it has enough oil. Pulse in the Parmesan. Thin with water, if necessary, to achieve a slick, saucy pesto. Scrape into a bowl or jar, cover, and refrigerate until needed. You should have about 3 cups. (Keeps about 2 to 3 days, refrigerated.)
- (c) 2006 NapaStyle Inc. All rights reserved
PESTO BAKED CHICKEN WITH FRESH ASPARAGUS
Tender, flavorful sliced chicken breasts smothered in pesto and Italian bread crumbs over fresh roasted asparagus.
Provided by Walmart
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 30m
Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Slice boneless skinless chicken breasts in to ½-inch wide pieces. Place on an aluminum foil-covered baking sheet. Brush each piece with pesto and sprinkle Italian breadcrumbs over the top. Mist with olive oil cooking spray.
- Break off the tough ends of the asparagus, and lay the stalks out on a second baking sheet. Mist with olive oil cooking spray, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place both baking sheets in the oven at the same time, with the chicken on the middle rack and the asparagus on the upper rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
- This dish was created by Walmart Mom, Tara Kuczykowski.
GNOCCHI WITH ASPARAGUS & OLIVES IN A CREAMY PESTO SAUCE
This honestly is so easy to make and such a nice dish. This is good enough to serve to company. Other than the asparagus and onion that you will need to cut, the rest is all pantry or store bought items. The creamy ricotta and bread crumbs added to the soft gnocchi makes for a perfect dish. Many grocery stores carry fresh and frozen varieties, as all of mine do. Whole Foods, Sams Club, Trader Joes, for those in the US carry them and of course most Italian Markets. They are a nice change from the traditional pasta shapes. I happen to love asparagus in this, but I have also used peas or green beans too. For the pesto, by all means make your own, but a good store brand makes this quick and easy.
Provided by SarasotaCook
Categories Vegetable
Time 20m
Yield 4-6 , 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bread Crumb Topping -- Make this first and then just set it off to the side. In a small dry saute pan, add the breadcrumbs and bring to medium high heat. You just want to toast them and they don't take long so keep an eye on them. Make sure to keep stirring them. You could easily make your own bread crumbs for this, but I used store bought Italian seasoned bread crumbs which saved some time. Once the bread crumbs are toasted and golden brown, transfer to a small bowl and mix with the olive oil and parmesan cheese.
- Vegetables -- In a large pot of salted boiling water (on a medium boil), add the asparagus and cook until tender. About 3-5 minutes. It depends on how thick your asparagus is. Remove the asparagus with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water to set the color and to stop the cooking. It just needs a minute in the water, then transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to dry.
- Gnocchi -- Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Drain well and return to the pot (keep the heat on medium / medium low.
- Finish -- Add the cream, pesto, olives, and onions to the gnocchi and cook another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Check for seasoning and add any additional salt or pepper if needed. Then add in the asparagus, lemon zest and toss lightly.
- Serve -- Transfer to a serving platter and top with the toasted bread crumbs and a scoop of the ricotta cheese. Garnish with the lemon slices from the half of lemon you did not zest. ENJOY!
- Add a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a nice simple side dish.
Tips:
- To choose the freshest asparagus, look for spears that are firm and snap easily when bent.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can make the pesto by hand. Just finely chop the basil, parsley, and pine nuts, then stir them together with the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
- You can use any type of pasta for this dish, but a short pasta like penne or rotini will work best.
- If you don't have any lemon juice on hand, you can use white wine vinegar instead.
- Garnish the finished dish with additional Parmesan cheese, basil leaves, or pine nuts.
Conclusion:
This asparagus pesto pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The asparagus and pesto are a great combination, and the pasta makes it a hearty and filling meal. You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover asparagus. If you have any leftover pesto, you can use it on sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for vegetables.
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