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asparagus mushroom red pepper pasta recipe

Asparagus Mushroom Red Pepper Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Camille
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This creamy asparagus mushroom red pepper pasta recipe combines fresh seasonal vegetables with Parmesan and herbs in a light, flavorful cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced about ¼ inch thick
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 3/4 lb penne pasta
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (plus more for topping)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced and roasted or sautéed
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook penne pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, asparagus, ½ tsp salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Stir in half-and-half, Parmesan, oregano, thyme, chili flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add cooked pasta, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. Toss everything together until heated through. If needed, loosen sauce with reserved pasta water.
  • Garnish with more Parmesan and chopped fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  • For vegan: Substitute half-and-half with cashew cream and Parmesan with vegan cheese.
  • For gluten-free: Use gluten-free penne pasta.
  • Reserve pasta water to help rehydrate sauce when reheating.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta, Vegetarian
  • Cuisine: American, French Fusion, Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 510 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 16g