Penne with Asparagus and Cream Sauce

Indulge in the creamy comfort of Penne with Asparagus and Cream Sauce, a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Combining al dente penne pasta with tender asparagus spears, this recipe is coated in a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce, delicately spiced with garlic and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The rich, velvety sauce is perfectly balanced by fresh parsley garnish, providing a burst of freshness in every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder is an irresistible fusion of fresh, wholesome ingredients and decadent flavors, making it a go-to recipe for pasta lovers. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound asparagus
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 2-inch pieces.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet with the asparagus. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the cream to warm through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the cream sauce.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1179.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2767.2

Total Fat 143.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 328.9mg	0%
Sodium 3094.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 273.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.4g	0%
Total Sugars 8.6g
Protein 85.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1025.8mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 1653.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.3%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 40.2%