Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs asparagus , trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic , finely choppped
2 lbs tomatoes , peeled and coarsely chopped ( about 4 cups )
1/4 cup scallion , trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces ( about one bunch )
1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
salt & freshly ground black pepper
3/4 lb linguine
1 cup basil , coarsely chopped ( only fresh will do )
1/4 parmigiano-reggiano cheese , freshly grated
Le Cirque's Linguine With Asparagus is a delicious and healthy pasta dish that is perfect for those who are looking to eat more greens and vegetables. This dish is a favorite at the legendary Le Cirque restaurant in New York City, where it is known for its fresh and tangy flavors. The dish begins with fresh asparagus that is trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces. The asparagus is cooked in a boiling pot of salted water until it is tender but still crunchy. In a large skillet, garlic is sautéed in olive oil until fragrant before tomatoes, scallions, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt are added to make a thick and flavorful sauce. The linguine is cooked separately and added to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Tossed together with the asparagus and fresh basil, it is the perfect dish for a light lunch or dinner.

Instructions

1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the asparagus for 2-4 minutes, or until tender but still crunchy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, scallions, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.
3.Cook the linguine in the pot of boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
4.Add the linguine to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
5.Add the asparagus and half of the chopped basil to the skillet. Toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining basil and some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

PROS

The combination of fresh asparagus, tomatoes, and basil results in a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

This dish is vegetarian, making it a great option for meatless Mondays or for vegetarians.

CONS

This dish contains a fair amount of carbohydrates due to the pasta.
People who are watching their carbohydrate intake should keep this in mind.

It can be tricky to cook the asparagus to the perfect texture; it can easily become overcooked and mushy.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, folate, and potassium.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
Basil is a good source of vitamin K, iron, and calcium.

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