Creamy Asparagus Pasta

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound (454 grams) dried pasta, such as penne or linguine
• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
5. Melt the remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) of butter in the same skillet.
6. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
7. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickens.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
9. Add the asparagus back to the skillet and heat through.
10. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to coat.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cup or 240 grams):

• Calories: 480
• Fat: 25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 55 grams
• Protein: 20 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy sauce
• Tender and flavorful asparagus
• Perfect for a special occasion or elegant dinner party
• Can be customized with additional vegetables or meat

User Comments:

• "This pasta was absolutely delicious! The creamy sauce was so rich and flavorful, and the asparagus was cooked perfectly."
• "I love how easy this recipe is to make. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal."
• "This pasta is a crowd-pleaser! I've made it for my family and friends several times, and they always rave about it."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have fresh asparagus, you can use frozen asparagus instead. Just thaw the asparagus before using.
• You can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, linguine, and tagliatelle all work well with this recipe.
• If you want a richer flavor, you can add some chopped mushrooms or bacon to the sauce.