Asparagus And Pasta With Pecans Recipes

LEMON ASPARAGUS PASTA

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Penne will still be slightly firm.
• Stir asparagus into the pot with the boiling penne pasta and bring back to a boil; cook until pasta is tender and asparagus is softened but still bright green, about 3 more minutes. Drain pasta and asparagus.
• Place penne and asparagus into a large bowl; lightly stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.

ASPARAGUS AND PASTA WITH PECANS

Steps:

• 1. Prepare pasta according to package direction; drain.
• 2. Snap off tough ends of asparagus, and slice into 2-inch pieces. Sauté the asparagus in hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat; 2 minutes.
• 3. Stir in red bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 2-3 minutes. (Add in the chicken or shrimp, if desired). Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• 4. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Stir in salt and pepper.
• 5. Toss together pasta, asparagus mixture, basil, 1/2 cup cheese, butter and 1/2 cup pecans. Heat mixture thoroughly for a minute or two.
• 6. Serve on individual plates; and garnish with remaining 1/4 cup cheese and 1/2 cup pecans.

ASPARAGUS WITH PECANS AND PARM

Steps:

• Steam the asparagus spears in a basket-style steamer over boiling water until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and remove to a serving dish; keep warm.
• Meanwhile, melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted (it's ok if it begins to brown), stir in the sliced mushrooms, and cook until they brown, soften, and begin to release their liquid; pour into a serving dish, and set aside. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet, and stir in the onions. Cook until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Season with garlic powder, basil, salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped pecans, and cook for a minute more.
• Sprinkle the onion mixture with half of the Parmesan cheese, and stir in the reserved mushrooms. Pour over the asparagus in the serving dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese.