Penne with Creamy Asparagus Sauce Recipe

Penne With Creamy Asparagus Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

• 1 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
• 1 cup cooked or canned Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• plain unsweetened soy milk, as needed
• 1 pound penne

Method

1. Steam the asparagus until just tender, about 5 minutes
2. Rinse under cold water and set aside
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat
4. Add the onion, cover and cook until soft, about 5 minutes
5. Add the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute
6. Stir in the wine, basil, salt and cayenne and simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes
7. Add half of the steamed asparagus along with the beans and stir to combine
8. Transfer the asparagus and bean mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth, adding a little soy milk if too thick
9. Transfer the sauce to a large saucepan and add the reserved steamed asparagus
10. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until hot
11. Taste, adjusting seasonings if necessary
12. Keep the sauce warm over very low heat
13. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 10 minutes
14. Drain well and transfer to a large serving bowl
15. Add the sauce and toss gently to combine
16. Serve immediately

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