Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis, 2008

Show: Everyday ItalianEpisode: Pasta for Every Season

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (21)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(21)

Cook Time:
10 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 5 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 10 min
Total:: 15 min

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Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (about 9 ounces) cherry tomatoes
1 cup shelled fresh peas
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock
1 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)
rachel northglenn, CO 08-25-2009
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simple and tasty
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I read a few comments saying this recipe was bland so I decided to add a few extras and it turned out great! I will... definitely make it again. I added red and yellow bell peppers, 1tsp of Italian seasoning, half of a small, fresh habanero pepper, and when I added the chicken stock, I added 1tsp of balsamic vinegar. My boyfriend loved it so much he finished it off that night. Read more
recipe Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)
Aiko Evanston, IL 05-22-2009
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YUMMY!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I love this recipe! I've made it for my family, as well as company, and it is a hit everytime! I love the warm "explosion"... as Giada stated, of the cherry tomatoes. Everyone said the tastes were so clean and fresh! To serve this with a lovely white or red wine, crusty bread, or focaccia, and simple salad, like a caprese, or prosciutto wrapped mozzarella with some olive oil and basil is a complete and satisfying meal. It is simple, yet refreshing and looks like it took much more time than it did! Read more
recipe Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)
Christine Chardon, OH 05-06-2009
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Quick and Easy crowd pleaser...including my picky kids!!!!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I left the peas out, my family is not a big fan of peas, and still this was a very easy and flavorful dish. I served this... for Easter to 20 people with some fresh shaved parmigano- reggiano cheese! I am making it again tonight for a smaller dinner party paired with grilled chicken...can't wait!Read more
recipe Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)
Nadia Woodland Hills, CA 04-29-2009
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Needs more flavor...
Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Althought I am usually a fan of Giada's subtle flavors and love light pasta, this one just didn't quite do it for me. It did... taste lite and healthy but needed something more to add to the flavor. Read more
recipe Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)
Isabel Yucaipa, CA 04-19-2009
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Healthy but bland
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I loved this recipe because I am fairly health conscious but I had to add more salt to make it taste better. My son (who... usually eats pretty much anything) was not thrilled about it either. It's too bland but great if you want something light.Read more
recipe Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)
Sherry Fairbanks, AK 04-12-2009
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Great!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I omitted the peas and added sliced kalamata olives. The combination of flavors was excellent!