Imagine a meal that combines the earthy richness of mushrooms, the delicate crunch of asparagus, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta - all in just 30 minutes! This One Dish Asparagus Mushroom Pasta is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or someone who wants to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your perfect match!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large skillet or wide cooking pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown slightly.
- Introduce chopped asparagus to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, maintaining a slight crispness.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with vegetables, then pour in vegetable broth. Gently toss all ingredients together.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and plate the pasta. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that helps ingredients stick together.
- Don't Overcook Vegetables: Keep your asparagus crisp and your mushrooms slightly browned. Overcooking will make them mushy and diminish their vibrant flavors.
- Garlic Technique: Sauté garlic quickly and watch carefully to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can make your entire dish taste bitter.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect taste and texture.
- One-Pan Efficiency: This recipe is designed to minimize cleanup. Use the same pan for boiling pasta and creating your sauce to save time and reduce dishes.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or make it vegetarian by using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 127kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
