Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A plate of orecchiete pasta with asparagus pesto and chopped asparagus set on a grey marble counter in front of a small bowl of grated Parmesan cheese.

Orecchiette Pasta with Asparagus Pesto

Catherine
Fresh asparagus is turned into a creamy pesto sauce and tossed with orecchiette pasta to make this flavorful dish an absolute hit! This twist on a classic pesto is a delicious way to take advantage of asparagus season in a fun new way.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 415 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 bunch asparagus woody ends trimmed
  • 450 g orecchiette pasta uncooked (about 16 oz)
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese + more for serving, grated
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (can sub walnuts if you don't have pine nuts)
  • 1 clove garlic optional
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves
  • lemon juice (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the pot and cook for a few minutes until tender. Remove and place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  • Add salt to the water in the pot and then add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions.
  • Cut the asparagus spears into thirds, reserving the tips for serving.
  • Place the rest of the asparagus in a food processor. Add the Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, parsley or basil, and salt (to taste). Puree it until smooth. You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to suit your tastes as well.
  • Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the asparagus pesto and asparagus tips and toss it with the pasta to coat it evenly. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
  • Spoon the pasta into pasta bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese. Serve.

Note: Metric ingredient measurements are provided as a courtesy using a third-party calculator and are rounded to the nearest unit. The recipes provided on this site have not been tested with metric measurements and their accuracy cannot be verified.

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 14gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 358mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 612IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

The nutritional information provided is based on third-party calculations and is an estimate only. Accurate nutritional facts will vary based on the particular brands used, portion sizes, measurement accuracy and more.

Keyword asparagus, easy dinner, orecchiette, pasta, pesto, quick dinner, spring, summer
Tried this recipe?Leave a star rating and comment below to let us know how it was!