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Baby Pasta Shells with Asparagus and Marinara Sauce
A light Spring pasta dish the whole family will enjoy; baby shells are tossed with chopped asparagus and a light marinara sauce. Quick and easy, perfect for vegetarians or meatless Fridays.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 283 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 8 ouncea baby pasta shells (or small gluten free pasta)
- 1 bunch thin asparagus (tough ends removed)
- 1 1/2 cups quick marinara sauce (or jarred)
- 1/4 cup pecorino romano
- Salt and fresh pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil about 4 inches of water in a large pot, when boiling add asparagus and cook about 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender crisp.
- Drain and chop into small bite sized pieces.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (you can use the same pot from the asparagus not to dirty too many dishes). Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.
- While pasta is cooking, in a medium saucepan heat 1-1/2 cups marinara sauce.
- Drain pasta and RESERVE a cup of the pasta water.
- Return pasta back to the pot and toss with marinara, asparagus, grated cheese, salt and pepper and a 1/4 cup of the pasta water or as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Divide between four bowls and top with fresh pepper and more grated cheese if desired.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Serving
11/4 cups
Calories
283kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
52g
(17%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
3.5g
(5%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 283
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 11/4 cups | |
| Calories | 283kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 3.5g | 5% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.