Creamy Asparagus Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Creamy Asparagus Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces whole wheat penne; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 4 teaspoons whole grain mustard; 4 teaspoons flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons minced garlic; 2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon; 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided

Servings: persons

8 ounces whole wheat penne
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups whole milk
4 teaspoons whole grain mustard
4 teaspoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided

1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 3 minutes less than the package directions. Add asparagus and continue cooking until the pasta and asparagus are just tender, 3 minutes more. Drain and return to the pot.
2
Meanwhile, whisk milk, mustard, flour, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant and lightly browned, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk in the milk mixture. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tarragon, lemon zest and juice.
3
Stir the sauce into the pasta-asparagus mixture. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sauce is thick, creamy and coats the pasta, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan. Divide the pasta among 4 bowls and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
4
NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 359 calories; 10 g fat (4 g sat, 4 g mono); 18 mg cholesterol; 55 g carbohydrate; 18 g protein; 7 g fiber; 602 mg sodium; 467 mg potassium.
5
Nutrition bonus: Folate (38% daily value), Calcium (30% dv), Vitamin C & Zinc (20% dv).
6
Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 1/2 fat; 3 Carbohydrate Servings.

177

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 ounces whole wheat penne, 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 4 teaspoons whole grain mustard, and more.

Yes, Creamy Asparagus Pasta Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Creamy Asparagus Pasta Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions