
This vegetarian entrée makes an elegant and easy lunch.
Serve with: Italian Pinot Grigio • arugula with balsamic vinaigrette • warm ciabatta • vanilla gelato topped with fresh strawberries
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 450°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place asparagus on prepared sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat; spread in single layer. Roast until asparagus is tender, about 10 minutes. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead; let stand at room temperature.)
Step 2
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot. Stir in mascarpone, grated Parmesan cheese, and asparagus. Toss over medium-low heat until pasta is coated with sauce and mixture is heated through, adding reserved pasta water by 1/4 cupfuls if dry, about 3 minutes.
Step 3
Mound pasta in large shallow serving bowl. Sprinkle with hazelnuts, chives, and Parmesan cheese shavings.
Step 4
*Italian cream cheese; can be found at Italian markets and some supermarkets.