Careme

Ingredients

• Green Asparagus 1 lb, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 3.49
• Kroger® Sliced White Mushrooms 8 oz 8 oz 2.00
• Garlic 3 cloves, minced 0.69
• Fresh Organic Lemon - Each 1 lemon 1.29
• Parsley 1 small bunch, chopped 1.29
• Simple Truth® Italian Chicken Sausage Links 12 OZ 2 links, sliced (optional but recommended) 5.99
• Pasta 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or penne
• Olive oil 2 tablespoons
• Butter 1 tablespoon
• Parmesan 1/3 cup, grated
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes optional pinch

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 sliced chicken sausage links if using and brown for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a plate.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Add 1 pound asparagus and cook 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using; cook 30 seconds. Add the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
5. Lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter, the cooked sausage, drained pasta, and 1/3 cup reserved pasta water. Toss well.
6. Add 1/3 cup grated Parmesan and more pasta water as needed until the sauce turns glossy and lightly coats the pasta. Fold in most of the chopped parsley.
7. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Add more lemon juice if you want it brighter.
8. Plate in shallow bowls and finish with extra parsley, Parmesan, and black pepper.