– **Title**: Roasted Asparagus Lemon Butter Pasta Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 ounces pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
– 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– Optional: additional lemon wedges for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. On a baking sheet, toss the asparagus pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer.
4. Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy at the tips. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and bring to a simmer.
7. Add the cooked pasta and roasted asparagus to the skillet, tossing to combine and coat everything with the lemon butter sauce.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature, with optional lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy your delightful Roasted Asparagus Lemon Butter Pasta Salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle, or bowtie pasta, gives a fun look and holds the sauce well. If you’re out of it, try penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is a star here, but you can swap it for green beans or broccoli if needed. Frozen vegetables can work too; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy depth. If you don’t have them, consider using fresh cherry tomatoes or drained canned tomatoes for a milder flavor.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter, but olive oil can be a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option or if you’re dairy-free.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil truly lifts the dish. If you don’t have them, dried herbs like thyme or oregano can work, though fresh is always best for flavor.
How Do I Get My Asparagus Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting enhances asparagus’ flavor, making it perfectly tender with a delicious char. Follow these tips for great results:
- Make sure to trim the woody ends of asparagus. Cutting them into 2-inch pieces helps them cook evenly.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan can steam them rather than roast.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven. Each oven is different—15 minutes should do, but check for that golden, slightly charred look.
Roasted Asparagus Lemon Butter Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 15 minutes roasting the asparagus and cooking the pasta, and then about 10 minutes mixing everything together. It’s a quick and tasty dish perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help the asparagus roast perfectly, making it tender and delicious.
2. Roast the Asparagus:
Take a baking sheet and spread out the trimmed asparagus pieces. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss it all together so the asparagus is evenly coated. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly charred. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a moment.
3. Cook the Pasta:
While the asparagus is roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save a little bit of the pasta water just in case you need it later. Set the pasta aside.
4. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
5. Combine Flavors:
Now stir in the lemon juice and zest, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the optional red pepper flakes. Mix everything well so the flavors get to know each other!
6. Mix It All Together:
Add the cooked pasta and the roasted asparagus to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that lovely lemon butter sauce. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to help it all come together.
7. Final Touches:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix again. Taste it and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta salad warm and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delightful Roasted Asparagus Lemon Butter Pasta Salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is a great choice, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Roasted Asparagus?
For extra flavor, try marinating the asparagus in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before roasting. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or balsamic vinegar over the top after roasting for added depth!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be prepared in advance! Allow the dish to cool completely after cooking, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the flavors!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta seems dry when reheating, add a splash of water or a little extra melted butter to bring back some moisture and creaminess!
