We're on a bit of asparagus overload right now but it's allowed us to have quick, healthy dinners without too much cooking. This spring pasta dates back to 2011 but is one of my favorite pasta dishes. I usually like to make homemade whole wheat pasta but when pressed for time, a solid store-bought wheat spaghetti is nice. I typically don't pair asparagus with basil (primarily because it's usually too early in the season for me to harvest basil) but this dish is my exception. Also, if you can't find vegetarian friendly parmesan (there's notes to help in the recipe), my go-to is this goat cheese sauce.
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+ If you don't want to spend time shaving the asparagus, dice and sauté instead.
+ Looking for vegetarian friendly parmesan? Try Organic Valley. They use a plant-based enzyme.
The beauty of this pasta dish is that you can really make it into whatever you like. Don't feel like shaving the asparagus? Dice it instead. Don't want to use asparagus? Try a different spring vegetable. This recipe isn't sauce-driven though, so if you're looking for something more akin to that, try this cream sauce.
Cheese: As mentioned above, if you can't find the vegetarian friendly parmesan- another creamy cheese (like goat) would work. Other options include gouda or taleggio (just be sure to check those labels for vegetarian rennet).
Vegetables: Peas, greens (spinach or chard), or even fava beans would be a wonderful addition or substitution. My favorite spring pasta variation uses fava beans and greens.
Pasta: Make your own whole wheat pasta or try your hand at gluten-free pasta.
You might notice that I love shaved asparagus. It's easy to use (both cooked and raw) and I think the thin slices are a wonderful way to show off this beautiful spring produce. If you want to keep shaving, here are a few more recipes you can try.
Chickpea Cakes with Shaved Asparagus
Grilled Cheese Crepes with Shaved Asparagus
Shaved Asparagus Noodle Bowl
First Published on June 7th, 2011. Last updated on April 17th, 2016.
Yum, this pasta looks delicious! It's like spring in a bowl! I'm glad you're finally able to relax and not worry about deadlines -- enjoy it while you can!
This is certainly one great way to enjoy spring!
[...] Asparagus Pasta by Naturally Ella [...]
I love your blog and simply can't wait to try your recipes myself! The "Asparagus {spring} pasta" is surely one of your many recipes my kitchen will be enchanted with this spring!
Using asparagus shaved and raw adds that extra intricate crunch to the pasta. Looking gorgeous!
What is basil chiffonade?
It's a cutting technique: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-chiffonade-fresh-basil-leaves-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-188971
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it. Pinning it now!
This looks so good! I love asparagus so much, definitely going to try this out!
This looks so delicious, and it's a wonderful use of seasonal ingredients. This looks perfect as it is, but I would love to try it with a bit of wild ramps, which grow like weeds around here. Fantastic work!
Hello!
I personally loved your Shaved Asparagus Spring Pasta recipe. Just looking at the picture of the finished product is causing my mouth to water. As a pasta enthusiast myself, I am always looking for new ideas of how to prepare pasta. Unfortunately most of the options are unhealthy and taste mostly the same. However with this recipe anyone has the freedom to mix it up a little bit my adding different vegetables and other substitutes. In addition, there is not a heavy creme sauce to top it off which will make it have a fresher taste to it. This is definitely the perfect spring pasta recipe. Thanks For Sharing!
I tried this one out with ricotta & added minted pea puree (peas, greek yogurt, mint,basil, garlic) and it became one of my fave dishes !