Pasta with Asparagus

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 ounces (about 227 grams) dried pasta
• 2 pounds (about 907 grams) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the asparagus pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to become tender.
5. Add the white wine and continue cooking for another minute.
6. When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes.
7. When the pasta is almost done, add the vegetable or chicken broth to the asparagus mixture and let it reduce slightly.
8. Drain the pasta and add it to the asparagus mixture in the skillet. Toss to combine.
9. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
10. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on average values and may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: About 450 per serving (without parmesan cheese)
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish combines the freshness of asparagus with the comfort of pasta, creating a light yet satisfying meal.
• The dish has a slightly garlicky flavor that pairs well with the delicate taste of asparagus.
• It's a great dish for spring or summer, when asparagus is in season.

User Comments:

• "This was a delicious dish! The combination of asparagus and pasta was unexpected but absolutely wonderful."
• "I loved the light flavor of this dish. It was perfect for a hot summer day."
• "The parmesan cheese on top added a nice touch and made it even more enjoyable."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to choose fresh asparagus with firm, bright green stalks.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit the parmesan cheese.
• This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine for a special meal experience.