Penne with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Asparagus

Brighten up your weeknight dinner rotation with this Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Asparagus, a flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender penne, crisp asparagus, and the rich, tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe is a celebration of fresh and bold flavors. Aromatic garlic, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, and a touch of zesty lemon bring depth and vibrancy to every bite, while grated Parmesan cheese creates a silky sauce that ties it all together. Finished with fresh basil for a fragrant, herby touch, this vegetarian pasta dish is perfect for a quick family meal or a light yet satisfying dinner party entrée. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
• 1 lb asparagus
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus by trimming off the woody ends and cutting the spears into 2-inch pieces.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 4

Add the asparagus to the skillet and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the asparagus is tender yet crisp.

Step 5

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil) and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm the tomatoes through.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh basil. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1184.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3060.2

Total Fat 162.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.2g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3082.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 331.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.9g	0%
Total Sugars 42.5g
Protein 87.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 931.4mg	0%
Iron 35.8mg	0%
Potassium 8973.3mg	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: 46.6%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 42.3%