BackVermicelli with asparagus and tomatoes
Vermicelli is delicate pasta. Here it's combined with fresh vegetables, Parmesan, herbs and extra-virgin olive oil.
Olive oil used in place of other fats can lower your risk of heart disease by reducing your blood cholesterol level.
To make this plant based, leave out cheese.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 6 asparagus spears
- 4 ounces dried whole-grain vermicelli
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
Directions
Add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil to a skillet. Saute asparagus over medium-high heat until lightly browned and tender-crisp. Remove from pan and allow to cool. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender (al dente), 10 to 12 minutes, or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
Put the pasta into a large bowl. Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil over the pasta and toss gently. Add the tomato, garlic, basil, asparagus, and 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan. Toss to mix evenly.
Divide the pasta between individual plates. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon Parmesan and black pepper, as desired. Serve immediately.