Pasta w/ Asparagus Pesto

By chefjaci

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne or other tubular pasta
• 1 pound asparagus
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 or 3 medium garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 ounces freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 2/3 cup)

Preparation

Step 1

In a 6- to 7-quart kettle bring about 5 quarts salted water to a boil for pasta.

Have ready a bowl of ice water. Trim woody ends from asparagus. Cut asparagus stalks crosswise into 2-inch pieces, reserving tips. In a steamer set over boiling water steam stalks, covered, 4 minutes. Add reserved asparagus tips and steam, covered, until just tender, about 1 minute. Immediately transfer asparagus to ice water to stop cooking. Drain asparagus well in a colander and pat dry.

In a food processor pulse pine nuts and garlic with salt until finely chopped. Add asparagus and oil and pulse until asparagus is coarsely chopped. Transfer pesto to a large bowl and stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta cooking water and drain pasta in a colander. Add pasta and reserved cooking water to pesto, tossing to coat, and season with salt and pepper.