Asparagus Pesto Pasta

Enjoy the flavors of spring in this Asparagus Pesto Pasta. 

Asparagus Pesto Pasta

2015-03-31 01:59:34

Makes 8 to 10 servings

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Ingredients

1. 1 teaspoon salt, divided
2. 1¼ pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
3. 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
4. ½ cup toasted pine nuts
5. ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6. 3 cloves garlic, halved
7. 1 (16-ounce) box bow tie pasta, cooked according to package directions
8. 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven, add water to a depth of ¾ inch; add ½ teaspoon salt to water. Place a steamer basket in Dutch oven; add asparagus. Bring water to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Plunge cooked asparagus into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well, and cut asparagus into thirds, reserving ¾ cup asparagus tips in small bowl.
2. In the work bowl of a food processor, combine remaining asparagus, ⅔ cup Parmesan, next 3 ingredients, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt; process until almost smooth.
3. In a large serving bowl, stir together asparagus mixture, pasta, tomatoes, and reserved asparagus tips. Top with remaining ⅓ cup Parmesan.

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