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4.9 from 342 votes

Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter

Bring something special to the table with this well-loved recipe.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Roasted Asparagus:
  • 1 to 2 to 2 pounds fresh asparagus spears
  • ½ to 1 to 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Balsamic Reduction:
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
Pasta:
  • 1 pound penne pasta regular or whole wheat
  • 4 tablespoons butter cut into pieces (see note about browning the butter)
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Snap the tough lower ends off the asparagus and discard them. Cut the asparagus spears into 1-inch pieces. Place the asparagus on a large, rimmed baking sheet and toss with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  2. While the asparagus roasts, add the vinegar to a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the vinegar is reduced to about 3 tablespoons, about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the brown sugar, pepper and salt. Remove from the heat.
  4. Cook the penne in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water until al dente (or desired tenderness), according to package directions. Drain the pasta and return to the pot.
  5. Add the butter and toss with the pasta until the butter is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
  6. Add the vinegar reduction. Toss to combine well. Add the asparagus and Parmesan; toss. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  7. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese, for serving, if desired.

Notes

  • Asparagus: if asparagus isn't in season (or you don't like it), try broccoli or even cauliflower cut into bite-size pieces, and roast it per the recipe. 
  • Browned Butter: if you want to take this to a whole new level, brown the butter (quick and easy tutorial here) before adding it to the pasta.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Serving Calories 424kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 65g (22%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 24mg (8%) Sodium 458mg (19%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 8g (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 424kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 65g 22%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 24mg 8%
Sodium 458mg 19%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 8g 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.