Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter, a simple yet sophisticated pasta dish bursting with flavor. Tender penne is paired with caramelized, oven-roasted asparagus for a touch of smoky sweetness, while a rich balsamic butter sauce adds a luxurious, tangy finish. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refined. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for impressing guests or savoring as a quick weeknight indulgence. Ideal for those looking for a vegetarian pasta recipe with vibrant ingredients and gourmet flair!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb asparagus
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces.

Step 3

Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 4

Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

Step 5

While the asparagus roasts, 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.

Step 6

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted asparagus, and balsamic butter sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 8

Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, to taste.

Step 9

Divide the pasta into serving bowls, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful pasta dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(947.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1967.8

Total Fat 70.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 102mg	0%
Sodium 3066.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 275.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.2g	0%
Total Sugars 15.8g
Protein 69.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 585.4mg	0%
Iron 23.1mg	0%
Potassium 1750.3mg	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: 31.6%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 54.7%