Penne and Asparagus with Garlic Sauce

Penne and Asparagus with Garlic Sauce

This pasta recipe blends al dente penne pasta, tender crisp asparagus, and a delightful garlic sauce to create a terrific side dish. Just add chicken or shrimp to serve this fantastic pasta as a main dish.

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8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons flour
2/3 cup low-fat milk

2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
cornstarch (if needed)
1/2 bunch asparagus cut into penne size pieces
1/2 tablespoon olive oil

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a medium sized saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
3. Add the garlic and onions, sauteing until tender. 
4. Whisk in flour until smooth. 
5. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. 
6. Keep stirring until thickened. (If sauce doesn't thicken mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water to form a paste, add to the sauce.)
7. Stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese into the sauce. 
8. Lower heat and keep sauce warm until the pasta and asparagus are ready.
9. In a small skillet, heat olive oil. When the oil is hot add the asparagus. Cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
10. In a medium serving bowl, combine pasta, sauce and asparagus.

Calories 269,  Fat 7.5g,  Cholesterol 54mg,  Sodium 124mg,  
Carbohydrates 39.4g,  Fiber 1.4g,  Sugars 3.2g,  Protein 11.4g