Fusilli With Lemon Cream Sauce, Asparagus, and Peas

IngridH's Note:

From Cooking Light, August 2007. This is a pretty fresh pasta dish that can be on the table in a flash.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 8 ounces fusilli
• ½ lb asparagus , sliced
• 1 cup peas (frozen work great, thaw before using)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1⁄3; cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 dash cayenne pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta until al dente, adding the asparagus for the last minute of cooking time.
2. Place the peas in a colander, then drain the pasta and asparagus over the top of them (this will just heat the peas without overcooking them).
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Combine broth and cornstarch, add to pan and bring to a boil.
6. Cook, stirring, until broth starts to thicken, about 1 minute.
7. Remove from heat and add cream, juice, salt, and peppers.
8. Stir to combine.
9. Add pasta and vegetables to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
10. Serve immediately.

Reviews

[duonyte]

What a nice way to dress up pasta. My sauce did not thicken, but that did not detract from the flavor. I might make the sauce with a roux next time, as that would also be better for reheating. But the combination of flavors is delightful.

[Karen Elizabeth]

I had reviewed this, but the review doesn't seem to have shown up, so I'm having another go .... this was excellent!! I didn't realise when I tagged it that asparagus was out of season, therefore I had to use a tin, but this turned out to be a happy choice, I'm not crazy about asparagus and rather enjoyed the more mellow flavour and texture of the canned asparagus. The sauce was smooth and full of flavour, I squeezed a whole small lemon and really enjoyed the citrus tang. Draining the pasta over the peas thawed frozen) worked very well, and I added the aspapragus when I tossed everything together. very much enjoyed this and will definitely be making it again!!! Made for PRMR tag game.

[Sydney Mike]

Yet another recipe I reduced by half for just 2 of us, & I almost wish I'd made the whole thing, 'cause it is wonderfully satisfying! Followed your recipe right on down, though another time I might just take a tip from Annacia & make it with whole wheat pasta! Thanks for sharing the recipe! [Made & reviewed in 1-2-3 Hits recipe tag]