Pasta with Asparagus

Get ready to turn up the heat with a dish that’s guaranteed to leave you craving more. Our spicy pasta with asparagus, hot pepper sauce and parmesan cheese is a fiery combination of flavors that leans on the rich and earthy crunch of fresh asparagus with the zesty kick of hot peppers.

Perfect for those nights when you’re yearning for something bold and comforting,  yet simple, this 20-minute pasta pleaser elevates simple ingredients into a next-level yum experience. Whether you’re a spice aficionado or just looking to add a little heat to your dinner routine, consider this recipe the next time you’re looking for a delicious dinner.

Pasta with Asparagus Ingredients

• Spices: Minced garlic cloves and crushed red pepper flakes bring the heat in this spicy pasta recipe but feel free to add more or less depending on how much heat you can handle.
• Hot pepper sauce: You’ll also need two to three dashes of a peppery sauce like Tabasco. Bonus points if you make homemade hot sauce.
• Olive oil and butter: To sauté the spices and cook the asparagus spears.
• Asparagus: Fresh asparagus shines in this recipe and we don’t suggest using frozen because it won’t be the same.
• Cheese: Tossing the hot pasta with nutty Parmesan cheese as soon as it drains is the key to success when it comes to nailing this recipe.
• Pasta: We like a short-cut noodle like mostaccioli or elbow macaroni for this dish but penne, rigatoni or fusilli would work as well.

Directions

Step 1: Sauté your aromatics

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Add the olive oil and butter to a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet and then sauté the minced garlic, red pepper flakes and hot pepper sauce for one minute until the garlic is slightly translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the asparagus and pasta

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Toss in the chopped asparagus spears and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue sauteing until the asparagus is crisp-tender, for about 8 to 10 minutes. While the asparagus is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Drain once it reaches al dente status.

Step 3: Add the cheese and serve

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Lastly, stir the shredded Parmesan cheese into the sauce and pour it over over hot pasta. Give everything a good toss until the sauce and pasta are well combined. Top with a bit more cheese, if desired and serve immediately.

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Pasta with Asparagus Variations

• Add peas: In addition to asparagus, peas are a fresh springtime Ingredient that pairs well with the flavors in this dish. They also sneak in more veggies.
• Add pancetta or bacon: For a crunchy topper that’s so delicious in this dish, saute cubed pancetta or sliced thick-cut bacon, drain off the grease and set aside. Toss with the cheese sauce once you’re ready to serve.
• Add pesto: If you’re looking for more of a saucy pasta toss, homemade pesto would be great as well.

How to Store Pasta with Asparagus

This cheesy spicy pasta is tasty hot, cold or at room temp, so transfer any leftovers to sealed airtight containers and place them in the fridge until you’re ready for seconds. You don’t even need to reheat it. Enjoy it as a cold pasta salad for lunch the next day or let it warm up on the counter for an hour before you dig in again.

How long does asparagus pasta last?

The minimal ingredients and dairy in this pasta mean it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. However, if the thought of two to three day-old asparagus doesn’t appeal to you, it makes sense to eat the rest sooner. Consult this handy guide for how to tell if asparagus has gone bad.

Can you freeze pasta with asparagus?

You can but we don’t recommend it. The texture of the asparagus will be totally different after it’s thawed, resulting in a sad soggy bowl of noodles.

Pasta with Asparagus Tips

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How do you cut asparagus for pasta?

How can I make this pasta better?

Although some reviewers found the seasonings to be perfect and some found them a tad spicy, others wanted more spice. Consider this recipe a starting point to adjust and tweak the garlic, red pepper flakes and hot pepper sauce to your liking in terms of more or less.

What should I serve with asparagus pasta?

Anything grilled will be great with this spicy pasta. Try grilled pork chops, T-bone steaks or grilled fish in parchment packets.