Garden Fresh Asparagus Pasta Primavera
This vibrant Garden Fresh Asparagus Pasta Primavera celebrates the delightful flavors of spring with a perfect blend of fresh asparagus, savory ham, and earthy mushrooms. Inspired by my homegrown asparagus bounty, I crafted this appealing dish that not only looks beautiful but also tastes incredible. In addition to its delightful textures, it showcases aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary that enhance the overall flavor profile, culminating in a comforting yet refreshing meal. Ideal for family gatherings or seasonal dinner parties, this dish can be easily customized with your favorite pasta varieties, such as spinach linguine or fettuccine. Perfect for a light yet hearty supper, this pasta primavera is bound to impress your guests and family alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (mixed with butter)
garlic
8 cloves (minced)
fresh asparagus
1.5 lbs (trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces)
fresh mushrooms
1.5 cups (sliced)
cooked ham
0.5 cup (chopped)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
plum tomatoes
4 large (chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
0.25 teaspoon (to taste)
uncooked linguine
12 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt completely.
2
Add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking and stirring for about 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
3
Introduce the chopped asparagus, then cover the skillet and allow it to cook for 1 minute to begin softening.
4
Stir in the sliced mushrooms, ham, chopped basil, oregano, and rosemary. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Incorporate the chopped plum tomatoes, salt, and black pepper into the skillet, cooking for another 3 minutes until everything is heated through and aromatic.
6
While the asparagus mixture is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain the pasta once cooked.
7
Transfer the drained linguine into a large serving bowl. Pour the asparagus mixture over the pasta and gently toss to evenly coat all the ingredients.
8
Finish by sprinkling the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top, serving warm and savoring the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Fresh Asparagus Pasta Primavera?
It is a vibrant pasta dish celebrating spring flavors with fresh asparagus, savory ham, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs.
How much asparagus is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
What type of pasta is best for this primavera?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of uncooked linguine, but spinach linguine or fettuccine are also excellent choices.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the cooked ham.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 8 minced garlic cloves for a robust, fragrant flavor.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
You should use 1.5 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms.
How much butter and oil are needed for the base?
The base requires 6 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Which herbs are included in this dish?
The dish features fresh basil, fresh oregano, and fresh rosemary.
How long should the garlic cook?
The garlic should be cooked and stirred for about 3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 4 large plum tomatoes that have been chopped.
How do I prepare the asparagus for cooking?
Trim the ends and cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces before adding them to the skillet.
What is the first step in cooking the vegetables?
The first step is melting butter and olive oil over medium heat, then sautéing the minced garlic.
How long does the asparagus need to cook?
It initially cooks covered for 1 minute, then for another 5 minutes with the mushrooms and ham until crisp-tender.
When should I add the plum tomatoes?
Add the tomatoes after the asparagus and mushrooms have reached the desired tenderness, then cook for 3 more minutes.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
0.5 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese is recommended for finishing the dish.
Is the ham pre-cooked in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 0.5 cup of chopped cooked ham.
How do I ensure the asparagus is cooked properly?
Cover the skillet during the cooking process to help the asparagus become crisp-tender.
What amount of fresh herbs should be used?
Use 2 tablespoons each of finely chopped fresh basil, oregano, and rosemary.
How much salt and pepper are added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
How should the linguine be prepared?
Cook the linguine in salted water according to the package directions, then drain it.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Transfer the drained linguine to a large bowl, pour the asparagus mixture over it, and gently toss to coat.
Is this a good recipe for family gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant colors and hearty nature make it ideal for family gatherings or seasonal parties.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely; you can swap the pasta type or adjust the vegetable ratios to your preference.
How is the dish served?
It is served warm in a large bowl, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese.
What is the texture of the finished asparagus?
The asparagus should be crisp-tender, not mushy.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in smaller quantities if necessary.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 14 distinct ingredients used in this Garden Fresh Asparagus Pasta Primavera.
What category of meal is this?
It is a one-dish meal that is hearty yet light enough for a spring supper.
Does this recipe require a large skillet?
Yes, a large skillet is needed to accommodate the butter, oil, garlic, and all the vegetables.
How do I prevent the ingredients from sticking?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it is cooking in the skillet to prevent sticking.