Jaw Droppingly Delicious Asparagus Penne (Rachael Ray)

Name: Jaw Droppingly Delicious Asparagus Penne (Rachael Ray)
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: salt; 1 lb thin asparagus, trimmed of ends; 1 lb whole wheat penne; 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup vegetable stock; 3/4 cup half-and-half; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, finely chopped, a couple of sprigs; 1 lemon, juice of; grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Submitted by marggie

"Recipe taken from "Rachel Ray's Big Orange Book". I haven't tried this yet, however it caught my eye because it has asparagus in it. I am trying to be more healthy and have more veggies in my diet. This book has a vegetarian section in it, which I was real excited about. :]"

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photo by suebott

Ready In:: 30mins
Ingredients:: 15
Serves:: 4

ingredients

salt
1 lb thin asparagus, trimmed of ends
1 lb whole wheat penne
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
³⁄₄ cup vegetable stock
³⁄₄ cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, finely chopped, a couple of sprigs
1 lemon, juice of
grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water. Drop the asparagus in for 2 minutes, then remove, drain, and chop into 2-inch pieces. Add the pasta to the water and cook to al dente.
To a skillet placed over medium heat, add the EVOO and butter. When the butter melts into the oil, add the garlic and gently cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then sprinkle the flour into the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Whisk in the stock, half and half, mustard, and lemon zest. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and tarragon, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken. Add the lemon juice, and gently toss the asparagus and pasta with the sauce to coat. Turn off the heat and adjust the salt and pepper to taste, then top with grated cheese and serve.