Asparagus Pesto Fettuccine





This recipe is very delicious and has a unique flavor. It had a combination of egg and spinach noodles & was topped with a very delicious asparagus puree that was almost pesto-ish. We actually added grilled chicken (it's rare that Michael will agree to a meat-free meal), which is easy to do for some extra protein. We grilled two chicken breast and added about 1.5 of them in case you're interested in throwing in some chicken (not included in recipe below). You could also probably stir-fry some tofu if you're a veggie and want some extra protein. The asparagus puree is absolutely delicious! We actually used it as a sauce for some grilled pizza a few nights later & it was perfect (you'll have some leftover)! The recipe was modified from Heidi Swanson's Super Natural Cooking cookbook. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • 3 handfuls baby spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 4 oz. spinach fettuccine
  • 4 oz. egg fettuccine

Directions

  1. Bring one medium pot of water and one large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Salt medium pot and add asparagus. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until asparagus is bright green and barely tender. Drain and transfer to a food processor.
  3. Add spinach, garlic, Parmesan, and 3/4 cup of the pine nuts to the food processor. Puree and slowly add in olive oil. Add lemon juice and salt.
  4. Salt pasta water and cook pasta until tender (following directions on box - each may require different cooking times). Drain and toss with 1 cup of the asparagus puree. Top with remaining pine nuts and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

33 comments:

Unknown said...

What a yummy way to sneak the asparagus in! It looks delish!!

Leslie said...

I love asparaus, though it makes my pee smell!LOL LOL LOL

Delicious Dishings said...

This is my kind of recipe! Perfect for taking for lunch at work... because my boyfriend wouldn't go for the meatless aspect or the asparagus at dinner. I would definitely love it though. And I like the idea of mixing the different pastas.

Sarah Alaoui said...

This looks wonderful (and hopefully simple?). Love pine nuts in pasta.

Conor @ HoldtheBeef said...

Oh, yay, I wouldn't have thought of using an asparagus puree on pizza, but it's a great idea! Thanks for the recipe!

Erica said...

Looks so good- very pretty presentation. Love the addition of the pinenuts. Great din din

Anonymous said...

Everything on your site is photographed so perfectly and beautifully. I'm so slightly jealous! ;)

Donna-FFW said...

Aspapragus pesto sounds delicious to me, even on its own! So healthy too!

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

Asparagus pesto is a nice idea. I will have to try it out.

♥peachkins♥ said...

Interesting dish. Very nice idea.. I'm sure this is very tasty....

Heather S-G said...

Oh Yummy!!! This is gorgeous...your photos have my drooling! And yes, I like the idea of asparagus pesto :D

gastroanthropologist said...

looks absolutely delicious. love the mix of the two pastas. I'll have to try this soon before asparagus disappears till next year.

Christo Gonzales said...

asparagus sauced pizza caught my eyes, ears (dont ask me how) and stomach....the pasta looks great!

grace said...

asparagus puree, eh? that sounds like a form of asparagus i might actually find enjoyable, especially atop such a wonderful pasta dish! this is inspired!

Rose said...

Asparagus puree - GREAT idea! I can't wait to try that :) We eat tons of asparagus!

lisaiscooking said...

This sounds great with the asparagus and spinach! It's a nice, light pesto too.

Manju said...

i made an asparagus pesto sometime back too..totally love that flavour!!heres my recipe if you wanna take a look http://superchef-mirchmasala.blogspot.com/2009/06/kirkland-wednesday-market-and-whole.html

fiOrdivanilla said...

Thanks a lot! I like to visit your blog ;) I like both the recipes and the photos! But unfortunately I don't know how to translate perfectly :(

Sara said...

oooh, I am loving this. I always have to grill up some chicken for the boyfriend, he will almost never eat my meat free meals.

Cakebrain said...

Love the pics! the colours look amazing and really yummy!

Jackie at PhamFatale.com said...

I've never seen this before. very creative... I would have never thought of using asparagus in a pesto. I'll keep this idea in mind. I made some today too but just a cilantro lime cashew pesto. I should have added some asparagus :D

Sylvia said...

Love pine nuts in the pasta,looks very healthy and delicious.

Teanna said...

WOW that sauce sounds awesome! I love that the asparagus is pureed right in there! Gorgeous photo, as always!

Gloria Baker said...

I love asparagaus! so this is so yummy and nice idea! xxGloria

Unknown said...

i tried an asparagus pesto once, but it came out too watery. i shall have to give it another go :)

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of asparagus pesto! A must try for me! Glad to discover your lovely blog!

Kerstin said...

An asparagus pesto sounds delicious - yum!

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

I had to tell you how beautiful your site is. It is easy to navigate and you have the best recipes, including this one. Thanks.

zested said...

Love the idea of throwing asparagus in pesto. Sounds like a perfect new twist for my grilled pizzas.

eatme_delicious said...

Ooo this sounds extremely awesome!!

test it comm said...

Asparagus makes a great pesto! Nice looking pasta!

Anonymous said...

I haven't been able to find pine nuts in our local stores for about a month. Frustration.

I wanted you to know that I got here through a comment so you are correct - all is well. Thanks for taking care of it.

The Cooking Photographer said...

Ohh this is pasta love!

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