Pasta with Asparagus - Cooks Illustrated

Published March 1, 2003.

Sick and tired of bland vegetarian pasta dishes? So are we.

The Problem

Most vegetarian pasta dishes feature a flavorless, boring pile of starch, randomly studded with bland vegetables and topped with a mound of low-quality grated cheese.

The Goal

A highly flavorful vegetarian pasta dish, one that has big, intense flavors and is also quick and easy to make.

The Solution

Sauté the asparagus and other vegetables and exercise restraint in seasoning. Use a good balance of salty, sweet, and sour ingredients to let the asparagus flavor shine.

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