Pasta with asparagus may not sound like the most appealing meal to children, but to a parent it can sound like a great way to get important nutrients into each family member's diet. With the inclusion of parmesan, children shouldn't be as picky about eating the asparagus within this dish!
The ingredients list for this recipe is quite simple, which will be a relief to parents looking to simplify their weekly grocery list. This dinner doesn't take long to make, nor does it require a lot of labor. On a busy night (which is most nights for many parents), you need a dinner that you can put together quickly.
Usually, parents find themselves turning to fast food or pizza when they're low on time. It's understandable. Fast food is, well, fast. But, it isn't the most nutritious, and it can put an extra strain on your budget after a while. With quick and easy recipes like this penne with asparagus, you won't have to resort to McDonald's on busy nights.
Serve this pasta dish with a side salad for a complete meal. If salad isn't something you're interested in serving, you can also offer some breadsticks. Either make your own when you have the time, or buy some from the store. Frozen garlic bread can also work as a quick and easy side.
Penne with Asparagus and Parmesan
Ingredients:
1 pound penne pasta
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 (14½ ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
1½ pounds asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
½ cup chopped fresh basil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Cook the penne according to package directions; drain and keep warm in the pot.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, cook just until it begins to turn golden.
3. Add the tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes.
5. Add the asparagus, cover and simmer until tender (about 5 minutes longer); pour over the penne.
6. Add the basil and parmesan cheese on top of the penne, toss to coat. Makes 4 servings.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/gbh007.