A quick spring pasta built around in-season Washington asparagus, mushrooms, lemon, and herbs. It’s light but savory, with a silky pan sauce instead of a heavy cream sauce.
Details
Ingredients
- Green Asparagus 1 bunch 4.99
- Organic Baby Bella Whole Mushrooms, 8 OZ 1 package 3.10
- Lemon 1 0.89
- Italian Parsley Bunch 1 small handful 1.29
- Organic Garlic, 3 CT 2 cloves 2.89
- Organic Shallots 1 shallot 4.99
- Organic Baby Spinach, 5 OZ 2 handfuls 4.49
- Pantry: pasta 6-8 ounces
- Pantry: olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Pantry: butter 1 tablespoon
- Pantry: grated parmesan 1/4 cup
- Pantry: salt to taste
- Pantry: black pepper to taste
- Pantry: red pepper flakes optional pinch
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 6-8 ounces pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Trim 1 bunch asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Slice 1 package mushrooms. Mince 2 garlic cloves and 1 shallot. Zest and juice 1 lemon. Chop the parsley.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add shallot and asparagus; cook 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is crisp-tender. Stir in garlic and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
- Add 2 handfuls spinach and cook until just wilted. Stir in butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta and toss well, adding more pasta water as needed to make a glossy sauce. Stir in parmesan and half the parsley.
- Plate in shallow bowls and finish with remaining parsley, black pepper, and extra parmesan.
Cook time: 40 minutes
Estimated cost: $14-17
Health notes: Balanced; vegetable-forward with moderate protein if topped with optional chicken or shrimp.
Drink pairing: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc