Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb casieddu pasta
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet for cooking asparagus and sauce
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add casieddu pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add asparagus pieces to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Add cooked casieddu pasta to the skillet with asparagus, and toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and asparagus mixture, and stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated in the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- None
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Casieddu pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta like penne or fusilli.
- Asparagus can be substituted with broccoli or green beans.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Use different vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini instead of asparagus.
- Add a splash of white wine to the skillet when cooking the garlic for a more complex flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overcook the asparagus, as it will become mushy and lose its bright green color.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to add to the sauce if it's too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining.
Garnishes:
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta and asparagus to the recommended temperatures to avoid any foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Casieddu pasta is a traditional pasta shape from Sicily, Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory and slightly spicy from the garlic and red pepper flakes, with a nutty and salty flavor from the Parmesan cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian