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Creamy Shells with Asparagus_MidPage

Creamy Shells with Asparagus

This creamy pasta with asparagus is divine! Only 30 minutes and one pot and you'll have a heavenly dinner of creamy shells with asparagus.
4 from 8 votes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 754kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot

Ingredients

  • 1 pound miniature shell pasta
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
  • 1 yellow onion peeled and diced
  • 5 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 1 red Fresno chili pepper or crushed red pepper
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups vegetable stock more, if needed
  • ½ cup heavy cream warmed in a microwave for 30-45 seconds
  • 1 pound asparagus trimmed and cut into thirds
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley leaves minced, plus more for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shells until al dente. Set aside. Return the pot to the stove.

Prep the Ingredients:

  • While the pasta is cooking, prep all the ingredients needed for the recipe.

Cook the Aromatics:

  • Heat the neutral cooking oil in the pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and red Fresno chili pepper and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Prepare the Roux:

  • Melt the butter into the aromatics and sprinkle the flour on top and stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the flour becomes aromatic and golden.
  • Slowly add the stock in 1/2 cup increments, whisking after each addition, until all the stock has been added. Bring to a very low boil and then reduce heat. Whisk in the warm heavy cream and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cook the Asparagus:

  • Add the asparagus to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes or until it is bright green and tender-crisp. Add the lemon juice and parsley and toss to combine. Taste and season again to your preferences.

Finish the Pasta:

  • Add the pasta to the pot and toss to combine until all the pasta is coated with the sauce. Cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes more to thicken the sauce further and to warm up the pasta. Turn off the heat.

To Serve:

  • Divide the cooked shells between bowls and garnish with more parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 754kcal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 30g | Sodium: 153mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin C: 23mg
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