This spring-inspired pasta dish celebrates the crisp, tender flavor of fresh asparagus paired with delicate spaghettini. The sauce is built on a base of sautéed garlic and diced tomatoes, creating a savory, slightly sweet foundation that clings beautifully to the thin noodles. Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal finish that brightens the entire dish. It is a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a balance of textures and flavors without being heavy. Ideal for a light dinner or a healthy lunch, this recipe highlights seasonal produce with minimal fuss. Serve it warm for the best experience, allowing the natural sweetness of the vegetables to shine through.
Spaghettini With Asparagus
Description
This spring-inspired pasta dish celebrates the crisp, tender flavor of fresh asparagus paired with delicate spaghettini. The sauce is built on a base of saut&# 195;©ed garlic and diced tomatoes, creating a savory, slightly sweet foundation that clings beautifully to the thin noodles. Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal finish that brightens the entire dish. It is a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a balance of textures and flavors without being heavy. Ideal for a light dinner or a healthy lunch, this recipe highlights seasonal produce with minimal fuss. Serve it warm for the best experience, allowing the natural sweetness of the vegetables to shine through.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
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Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped garlic to the oil and sauté gently until fragrant and softened, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
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Add diced tomatoes to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes saucelike, about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in tomato paste, a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute to deepen the flavor.
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Add the cut asparagus pieces to the saucepan, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is just tender but still crisp.
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While the sauce is cooking, add spaghettini to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
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Drain the pasta well.
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Serve the spaghettini topped with the warm asparagus-tomato sauce, garnished with fresh sliced basil and grated cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 87.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.7g12%
- Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 6.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.7g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
- Sugars 3.1g
- Protein 1.1g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a vegan version, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
If your tomatoes are very acidic, the pinch of sugar helps balance the flavor. Adjust to taste.
You can substitute spaghettini with angel hair or regular spaghetti if preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
For extra protein, consider adding white beans or chickpeas to the tomato sauce.
