Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus

Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus

Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus

 I love asparagus and I am always looking for a new way to make it. Pasta salad is a staple in our house during the summer months. It is fresh, easy to make and there are so many variations. This Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus is a meal my whole family loves and enjoys!

The warm summer calls for cookouts, picnics, and the gathering of family and friends. Most of the time, it’s a time to share covered dishes and enjoy the fresh bounty of summer vegetables. Pasta salads are the perfect take-along dish and can be as versatile as you are creative. Simply add grilled chicken or shrimp and most any pasta salad can become a meal. 

Just about any summer vegetable can be added to a pasta salad making a colorful and healthy dish. While mayonnaise- and sour cream- based salads are delicious and classic for pasta salads, I prefer a vinaigrette or this version of a honey-lemon dressing. My Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus has less fat and calories and can withstand the heat of a picnic longer than the traditional pasta salad. You can substitute the asparagus for broccoli or green beans, varying the salad all summer. Make a batch of Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus and take it along on your next picnic.

Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus 

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
juice of 1 lemon
2 T honey
1 T olive oil
¼ t. salt
¼ t. pepper
1c. of fresh peas

1 c. uncooked small pasta (penne, radiatore, ziti or shells, etc.)

Cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain and chill. Place asparagus in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp tender. Drain and immediately plunge asparagus into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and chill.

Whisk together lemon juice and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Arrange lettuce leaves in serving bowl. Combine asparagus, peas, cooked pasta, and dressing and serve your Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus!

For another Asparagus idea, check out these recipes

Asparagus Soup Recipe
Pork Chop with Asparagus
Crab & Asparagus Soup Recipe

 

Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus

RealAdviceGal.com
Delicious and easy to make Penne Pasta Recipe with Asparagus that you can take along on your next picnic.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 T honey
  • 1 T olive oil
  • ¼ t. salt
  • ¼ t. pepper
  • 1 c. of fresh peas
  • 1 c. uncooked small pasta penne, radiatore, ziti or shells, etc.

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and chill. Place asparagus in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp tender. Drain and immediately plunge asparagus into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and chill.
  • Whisk together lemon juice and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Arrange lettuce leaves in serving bowl. Combine asparagus, peas, cooked pasta, and dressing and serve!