Penne With Asparagus

Name: Penne With Asparagus
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne or 8 ounces ziti pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 shallots, finely chopped (you can substitute a clove of garlic and some chopped onion if you don't have shallots); 2 cups prepared tomato sauce; 2/3 cup half-and-half or 2/3 cup plain soymilk; 2 lbs thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 in. pieces; 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

9 ingredients

4 steps

Ingredients

8 ounces penne or 8 ounces ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 shallots, finely chopped (you can substitute a clove of garlic and some chopped onion if you don't have shallots)
2 cups prepared tomato sauce
2/3 cup half-and-half or 2/3 cup plain soymilk
2 lbs thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 in. pieces
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta; stir to prevent sticking. Cook pasta until just tender, according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
2

Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 7 minutes.
3

Stir in tomato sauce and half-and-half or soymilk, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Add asparagus and tarragon and reduce heat to low. Partially cover and cook until asparagus are tender and sauce is slightly thickened, 10 to 12 minutes.
4

Add pasta to asparagus mixture along with salt and pepper. Toss until well coated. Serve hot.