Goat Cheese Pasta With Roasted Asparagus

Super easy

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  lbs asparagus, tough ends removed (2 bunches)
• 4  tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 12  ounces cavatappi pasta or 12  ounces  other short pasta
• 5  ounces  soft fresh goat cheese, crumbled
• 3  tablespoons  snipped fresh chives, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Place asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet; dot with 1 tablespoon butter, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, tossing occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes; cut into 2-inch lengths.
3. While asparagus is roasting, generously salt boiling water. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Set aside 1 1/2 cups pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.
4. In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, remaining 3 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup pasta water. Season with salt and pepper, and whisk until smooth. Add goat-cheese mixture and asparagus to pasta; toss to combine, adding more pasta water if necessary for sauce to coat pasta. Serve pasta garnished with chives.