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 Asparagus Pasta with kale, leeks and a creamy Cannellini Bean Leek Sauce.  This healthy, spring, vegan pasta recipe comes together quickly and easily!

Asparagus Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: Tonia Schemmel | Feasting at Home
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 cups 1x
  • Category: Pasta,
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Asparagus Pasta with kale, leeks and a creamy Cannellini Bean Leek Sauce.  This healthy, spring, vegan pasta recipe comes together quickly and easily!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 67 ounces dry pasta ( torchiette, orecchiette, penne pasta, etc.)
  • 1 bunch kale, 8-10 oz, about 45 cups chopped in small chunks, discarding the thicker ribs
  • 10 ounces asparagus, cut in 1-inch pieces (slice in half vertically if on the thicker side)
  • 1 cup leeks, chopped thinly in 1/2 rounds
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped small
  • 1 1/2 cups or 15 oz cannellini beans
  • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided (or unsalted butter)
  • lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 23 tablespoons lemon juice plus more to finish
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
  • 23 teaspoons fresh lemon thyme leaves ( or regular thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo or red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Vegan Cheesy Sprinkle (optional) or vegan parmesan, or regular parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Set oven to 450F if roasting the veggies in the oven. (Instructions included for both oven roasting and pan sautéing below.)
  2. Cook the Pasta: Place 2 quarts of water in a large pot with 1 tablespoon salt to boil on the stove, cooking pasta al dente according to directions. Drain and reserve 1/3 cup of the hot pasta water.
  3. Char in OVEN: On a parchment-lined sheet pan (for easy clean up), place cut asparagus tossed with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, on one side of the pan.  Rub kale with about a teaspoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt (I use my hands to rub the oil into the kale to get it to absorb and tenderize).  Place kale on the other side of the sheet pan and place in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, until kale is wilted and starting to lightly char. If you want more char broil for 1-2 minutes. OR Char in large SKILLET: In a hot cast iron skillet, start with asparagus dry frying, stir constantly for 3-4 minutes, when it begins to sear remove from heat adding a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.  Repeat the same process with kale.
  4. Make the Sauce: Saute leeks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat until soft and just beginning to brown for about 3-4 minutes, add garlic sautéing 1 min more.  Remove from heat.  Add about half of the beans into the pan with the leeks and garlic along with 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, salt, pepper and 1/3 cup reserved pasta water.  Mash together with a fork making a creamy blend.  Heat up to warm.
  5. Assemble:  Mix the cooked pasta into the creamy bean sauce, adding the remaining whole beans, charred asparagus and kale. Add more lemon and salt to taste.

Top with Aleppo (if desired), fresh chives and lots of vegan Cheesy Sprinkle!  Also good with goat cheese or Parmesan cheese.


Notes

Fresh thyme can vary in pungency so add according to your taste.  I find lemon thyme milder and use the full 3 teaspoons.

Leftovers keep about 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, reheat or enjoy chilled!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 458
  • Sugar: 4.1 g
  • Sodium: 501.2 mg
  • Fat: 18.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60.9 g
  • Fiber: 8.6 g
  • Protein: 15.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg