Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Mustacciuoli pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 head of garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the garlic is soft and caramelized.
3. Cook the Mustacciuoli pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
4. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
5. Once the garlic is roasted, remove from the oven and let cool. Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste.
6. In a large bowl, mix together the roasted garlic paste, remaining olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the bowl with the garlic mixture. Toss until the pasta is coated evenly.
8. Add the sautéed asparagus to the bowl and toss again.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
5. Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 500
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mustacciuoli pasta can be substituted with any other pasta of your choice.
- 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 for a protein boost.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to trim the asparagus before cooking to remove the tough ends.
- Roasting the garlic brings out its sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce if it is too thick.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored 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 or chicken broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large pasta bowl and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
A simple green salad or garlic bread would be a great accompaniment to this dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If the asparagus is too tough, it may need to be cooked longer.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the pasta and asparagus to their recommended temperatures to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Mustacciuoli is a traditional pasta dish from the Campania region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a rich and savory flavor from the roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese, with a slight crunch from the asparagus.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal.
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Region: Italian