Asparagus Pasta is a delicious recipe, with some power-packed nutritious foods to keep us strong and healthy!

Asparagus is a nutrient-packed vegetable. It is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.

Spinach is also an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate as well as being a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2. Vitamin K is important for maintaining bone health and it is difficult to find vegetables richer in vitamin K than spinach.

What you’ll need to make Asparagus Pasta:

1 or 2 bunches of thin asparagus spears
375g dry pasta, wholemeal or pulse pasta is best
juice of 1 lemon
½ cup water
1 tbsp oil
3 large cloves of garlic, crushed
1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
½ cup baby spinach
2 tbsp basil
freshly ground black pepper
salt to taste
spray cooking oil

Method

Step 1
Break off woody end of the asparagus spears. Spray spears with oil and grill until tender and slightly charred. Remove from grill and cut into bite-sized pieces. Toss in a bowl with half the lemon juice

Step 2
Cook the pasta according to the packet and drain

Step 3
While pasta is cooking, combine oil with garlic and sweet chilli sauce in a large non-stick frying pan. Cook over low heat until garlic is fragrant for about 5 minutes.

Step 4
Add water and remaining lemon juice, and bring to the boil. Add grilled asparagus and drained pasta, and toss over the heat

Step 5
Transfer to a bowl. Add basil and spinach, and toss again. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! Serves 4

Per Serve

Energy 1552 kJ (371 Cal)
Protein 12g (13%)
Carbohydrates 67g (76%)
Sugars 3g
Fat 5g (11%)
Fibre 5g
Sodium 40mg
Calcium 35mg

For other pasta recipes see: Sundried Tomato and Spinach Pasta