Sweet & Savory Kitchens

Aunt Suzy says

Upon seeing Margaux’s recent post on Fettucine with Asparagus, Peas and Pancetta, I thought “I will be making this!”.   I too love pasta and had just purchased asparagus and sugar snap peas at the farmer’s market.  Margaux’s remark that a vegetarian version of this might also be nice, prompted me to make this as a veggie side dish to accompany the salmon I was planning to make for dinner.  I made modifications based on what I had on hand.  This was delicious and I can’t wait to make the original recipe with the pancetta!

Pasta with Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas in Lemon-Herb Sauce (by Aunt Suzy Test Kitchen :-))

12 ounces small pasta (I used tri-color fusilli)

2 to 2-1/2 cups asparagus, cut into 1-inch lengths

2 to-2 1/2 cups sugar snap peas, strings removed and cut into 1/4-inch lengths

4 large scallions, white and light green parts thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)

The dark green part of the scallions, thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

juice of one lemon

zest of one lemon

1/4 cup parsley, or more to taste

1/4 cup basil, or more to taste

1/2 cup parmigiano, grated, plus more for passing

Cook the pasta according to package directions.  Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta liquid.  Drain pasta and set aside.

Meanwhile, place the asparagus in a saute pan and cook for 1 minute in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil at medium high heat.  Turn the heat down to medium and add the sugar snaps, the sliced green onions (white and light green parts) and garlic.  Saute for 3-4 minutes more, then put the lid on the pan and cook for 2 more minutes.  The vegetables will get slightly brown on the bottom of the pan which will add extra flavor. 

Place the cooked pasta into a large pot and add the vegetable mixture.  Stir to combine and then add 1/4 cup of the pasta water, the green parts of the scallions, the lemon zest and juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the parsley and basil.  Stir to combine and then add the parmigiano cheese, stirring to thoroughly mix in.  Add additional pasta water a little at a time if too dry, which I did not have to do.  Serve with extra parmigiano to pass.