Creamed Asparagus Pasta with Pine Nuts
When you need something cozy, creamy, and a little green to make you feel like you have your life together — this Creamed Asparagus Pasta with Pine Nuts is the move. It’s light but indulgent, simple but feels fancy, and somehow manages to taste like spring and comfort food at the same time.
Even better? This recipe is a base formula for any veggie pasta you’ve got hanging out in the fridge. Swap in broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms — whatever’s in season or on hand. Once you’ve got the creamy sauce down, the rest is just mix, toss, and devour.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta
The creamy sauce is made from cauliflower (so it’s lighter than it tastes!)
Comes together in about 30 minutes
Customizable — use any veggie you love or have on hand
Toasted pine nuts + parmesan = chef’s kiss
Ingredients
1 pound pasta (your favorite shape — we love rigatoni or fettuccine)
1/2 red onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
Salt, to taste
2 bunches asparagus, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 small head cauliflower, chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, sauté red onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant.
Add chopped asparagus and cauliflower, season with salt, and cook until tender (about 7–10 minutes).
Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute to coat the veggies.
Pour in heavy cream and a splash of pasta water, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Add Parmesan, toss in the cooked pasta, and stir to coat everything evenly.
Finish with a handful of toasted pine nuts and an extra sprinkle of cheese before serving.
Make It Your Own
Try it with broccoli, zucchini, or spinach instead of asparagus.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy prosciutto for protein.
Use almonds or walnuts if you’re out of pine nuts.
A Weeknight Classic, Elevated
This dish feels restaurant-worthy but comes together faster than takeout — creamy, garlicky, and loaded with veggies. Once you’ve tried the base sauce, you’ll want to make it again and again with whatever’s in your fridge.
Dinner hero status: unlocked.