Fettuccine With Asparagus, Leeks, and Mint

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Spring is the ideal time to make a vegetable pasta: It’s the tail end of winter, when we still want comfort food, but there are delicious, fresh foods back in the market stalls. Enter this vegetarian spring pasta with asparagus, which feels particularly light since it doesn’t have an intense tomato or creamy sauce. Mint adds a bright note to balance the buttery sautéed leeks, while red pepper flakes add heat to cut through each bite. Serve with a dry, medium-bodied white wine or a light beer.

Fettuccine With Asparagus, Leeks, and Mint
Photo: Victor Protasio
Hands On Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Yield:
4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 2 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 large lemon)

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ cup olive oil, divided

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½ cup torn fresh mint, divided

  • 10 ounces fettuccine

  • 1 pound thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1½-in. pieces

  • 1 large leek, white and light green parts only

  • 1 ½ ounces Parmesan, shaved (about ½ cup)

  • teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

  1. Whisk lemon zest and juice, salt, ¼ cup oil, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir in ¼ cup mint.

  2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add asparagus during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and cover to keep warm.

  3. Meanwhile, halve leek lengthwise and thinly slice crosswise into half-moons (about 2 cups). Place in a medium bowl filled with water and let stand for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Lift leek slices from water (leaving any grit behind) and drain on paper towels.

  4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook leeks, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes. Add lemon mixture, pasta, and asparagus to skillet with leeks and toss to combine. Serve topped with cheese, crushed red pepper, and remaining ¼ cup mint. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

576 Calories
31g Fat
61g Carbs
14g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Calories 576
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31g 40%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 679mg 30%
Total Carbohydrate 61g 22%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 14g

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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