What Goes Well with Asparagus Cream Sauce?

Asparagus cream sauce is a delightful blend of tender asparagus and creamy sauce that can turn a simple pasta dish into an epic gourmet meal.

This unique sauce pairs very well with pastas and sides in general, but let’s explore the most popular of the bunch, and stick around until the end and try my recipe!

Best Pasta Types for Asparagus Cream Sauce

1. Linguine: A long, flat pasta, linguine allows the asparagus cream sauce to coat evenly, complementing the tender asparagus.
2. Fettuccine: A wide, thick pasta, fettuccine holds creamy sauces well, providing a good base for the asparagus cream sauce.
3. Ravioli: The sauce can seep into the pockets of the pasta, making every bite flavorful.
4. Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings are a great match for the creamy sauce.

Best Side Dishes to Pair with Asparagus Cream Sauce Pasta

While asparagus cream sauce pasta is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with the right side dish can elevate your dining experience.

Here are some of the best side dishes that complement this pasta dish:

1. Garlic Bread: The savory flavors of garlic bread complement the creaminess of the asparagus sauce. Plus, they’re perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce!
2. Salads: A fresh salad is a great way to balance the richness of the pasta dish. The light, crisp vegetables and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant can add a nice texture and flavor contrast to the creamy pasta.

What Drinks Go Well with Asparagus Cream Sauce?

The right drink can enhance the flavors of your pasta dish. Here are some popular choices:

1. White Wine: A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can complement the creamy asparagus sauce.
2. Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon can be a refreshing accompaniment.

Best Toppings for Asparagus Cream Sauce Pasta

Adding toppings to your pasta can add extra flavor and texture. Here are a few ideas:

• Bacon Bits: The salty, smoky flavor of bacon pairs well with the creamy asparagus sauce.
• Fried Almonds or Crispy Onions: These add a nice crunch and a hint of sweetness.
• Chives: Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

More Variants of Asparagus Cream Sauce

Asparagus cream sauce is versatile and can be flavored in many ways to suit your taste.

Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Butter Cream Sauce: Add a few tablespoons of butter to your sauce for a richer, creamier flavor.
2. Lemon Cream Sauce: Add the zest and juice of a lemon for a bright, tangy twist.
3. Tarragon Cream Sauce: Stir in some fresh or dried tarragon for a hint of anise flavor.
4. Mushroom Cream Sauce: Sauté some mushrooms and blend them into the sauce for an earthy flavor.
5. Tomato Cream Sauce: Add some tomato paste or diced tomatoes for a tangy, savory flavor.
6. Garlic Cream Sauce: Add extra minced garlic for a more robust flavor.
7. Dijon Cream Sauce: Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a tangy, spicy kick.

How to Make Asparagus Cream Sauce

Preparing asparagus cream sauce is a simple process that begins with preparing the asparagus, blending them, and using them as the sauce for the pasta.

1. Clean and steam your asparagus.
2. Cut the tips off and set them aside.
3. Blend the remaining part together with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic cloves, cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Use this sauce on your pasta, my personal favorite recipe is below.

Pasta With Asparagus Cream Sauce

To make pasta with asparagus cream sauce, you'll need fresh asparagus, your choice of pasta, olive oil, onion, garlic, heavy cream, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and a lemon.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 2

Calories 347 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Colander or Strainer
• Large Skillet/Frying Pan
• Knife & Cutting Board
• Immersion Blender (optional)
• Spoon/Tongs
• Cheese Grater
• Zester
• Juicer
• Measuring Cups

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb Pasta Linguine or Fettuccine work well!
• 1 lb Asparagus
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 small Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
• 1 Zest & Juice of Lemon

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• While the pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Trim the tough ends and cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the asparagus to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove half of the asparagus from the skillet and set aside. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
• Use an immersion blender to puree the asparagus and cream until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the skillet.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the asparagus cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve the pasta with the reserved asparagus pieces on top for added texture.

Notes

1. Asparagus: Choose firm stalks with bright green or violet-tinged spears and closed tips.
2. Pasta: This recipe works well with long, flat pasta like linguine or fettuccine, but you can use your favorite type.
3. Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk.
4. Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. For the best flavor, grate it yourself.
5. Lemon: Zest the lemon before you juice it for a fresh, bright flavor.
6. Add-Ins: Customize with add-ins like cooked chicken, shrimp, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
7. Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed

See also  Best Wendy's Chili Copycat Recipe

 

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcal

Keyword Pasta

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