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