Cascadian Farm / Flickr
I was looking for a recipe to use my freshly cut asparagus from my garden when I came upon a recipe from one of my favorite food blogs. It reminded me of spring and so I tweaked it to my liking. This recipe includes three of my favorites: pasta, cheese, and lemon.
It was delicious, inexpensive, and fast to make on a week night. Another reason I like this easy dinner recipe so much is because it’s versatile. You can add different in season veggies like peas, green beans, or even chicken to make it more hearty. I added chicken that needed to be used. This pasta recipe can also be serve with warm bread and a small soup, if you’re really hungry.
Ingredients
1 pound whole wheat rotelle pasta
1 pound slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut into 1- inch pieces (or seasonal veggie)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
1 5-ounce log soft fresh goat cheese
Fresh lemon juice to taste
Directions
- Cook your pasta in a large pot of well-salted water until it is almost tender.
- Add asparagus and cook until firm-tender.
- Drain both the pasta and asparagus together. Don’t forget to save a cup of pasta water.
- Combine olive oil, lemon zest, tarragon and goat cheese (the pre-crumbled cheese does not melt as well) in a large bowl. Crumble the cheese as you add it.
- Toss in the hot pasta and asparagus and a couple tablespoons of the pasta water.
- Mix the ingredients until smoothly combined, adding more pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add a couple drops of lemon juice for more flavor.
Serves 6.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
Yazmin, this is an excellent basic pasta dish process that anyone can adapt to their personal preferences. Thanks for sharing it with your readers! I first learned of it years ago from a former colleague. His recipe used pasta (noodles), goat cheese, chicken, chicken stock and garlic. You’re right about it being so quick and easy to put together. I really like your variations.
@EllieD Thanks so much. Can’t wait to see you at the Frugal Festival this year!
@Yazmin ~ And I look forward to seeing you as well. We worked hard, but we did have a good time last year. BTW ~ Julia’s mom will be here again! Looks like a real reunion.
@EllieD Her father will also come down to help. He is the official Frugal Festival photographer. I can’t wait. It’s going to be so much fun!