Penne With Roasted Asparagus

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• 1 lb asparagus
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 lb penne
• 1/4 lb butter, cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Recipe

• 1 heat the oven to 400°. snap the tough ends off the asparagus and discard them. cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. put the asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. roast until tender, about 10 minutes.
• 2 meanwhile, put the vinegar in a small saucepan. simmer until 3 tablespoons remain. stir in the brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. remove from the heat.
• 3 cook the penne in a large pot of boiling, salted water until just done, about 13 minutes. drain the pasta and toss with the butter, vinegar, asparagus, parmesan, and the remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons salt. serve with additional parmesan.
• 4 notes.
• 5 variations:.
• 6 • penne with roasted broccoli and balsamic butter when asparagus is not in season, cut 1 pound of broccoli into small spears for roasting. toss them with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and roast for about 15 minutes. continue with step 2.
• 7 • penne with roasted vegetables, toasted nuts, and balsamic butter toss in 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts, hazelnuts, or walnuts at the end with either asparagus or broccoli.