Everyday Healthy Recipes

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Cookie Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Vegetarian/Vegan Meals

    Roasted Asparagus Pesto Pasta

    May 7, 2017 By Monika Last Updated May 28, 2024 14 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This asparagus pesto pasta is made with roasted asparagus and classic pesto ingredients for a deliciously creamy, nutritious pasta dish. Versatile, easy to make and bursting with flavour, this pasta with asparagus pesto is ready in as little as 30 minutes!

    Top down view of asparagus pesto pasta in pan with fork.

    The asparagus pesto pasta is a delicious, healthy and easy way of serving asparagus and making the most of this somewhat underrated seasonal vegetable. Making this dish involves roasting the asparagus along with the garlic before combining with a few classic pesto ingredients for a rich, creamy pesto sauce delicious served over a steaming bowl of pasta.

    Asparagus is extremely versatile and very quick and easy to prepare. Steamed, pan-fried or boiled asparagus with a drizzle of melted butter makes a delicious side dish while raw asparagus can be added to egg muffins, pies, casseroles, or scones.

    Another easy method for preparing asparagus is roasting. Roasting really brings out the flavour of this vegetable, perfect for my asparagus pesto pasta.

    Asparagus pesto pasta ingredients and substitutions

    Asparagus pesto pasta ingredients in individual dishes.
    Asparagus pesto pasta ingredients.
    • Asparagus: I recommend using asparagus spears (rather than whole asparagus stems) as they only need rinsing. If you use asparagus stems you'll have to break off their tough ends (approx. 1-1.5 inches long) first.
    • Pasta: I like to use long pasta shapes, such as tagliatelle or spaghetti, but you can use fusilli, penne or your favourite pasta.
    • Cheese: use parmesan or another similar Italian cheese.
    • Basil: You can use fresh oregano instead or together with the basil.
    • Garlic: roasting it alongside the asparagus adds more depth of flavour to the sauce.
    • Pine nuts: sunflower seeds or hazelnuts are good alternatives.
    • Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil.
    • Lemon juice: adds flavour to the pesto sauce and minimises discoloration.
    • Water: helps to loosen the sauce, if needed.
    • Salt and pepper to taste.

    How to choose the best tasting asparagus for pesto

    For me the best tasting asparagus tends to be the thinner variety.ย The really thick asparagus is usually not as sweet. When buying this vegetable avoid wilted looking asparagus and choose bright green fresh looking, firm asparagus spears.

    Step-by-step recipe instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 F/200 C/180 fan/gas mark 6. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

    2. Prepare asparagus: Rinse the asparagus spears then pat them dry. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet, brush with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Add the garlic to the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.

    Asparagus spears and garlic cloves spread on parchment.

    3. Cool: Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for a few minutes.

    Roasted asparagus with garlic on parchment.

    4. Boil pasta: In the meantime start boiling your pasta in salted water (reserve some of the pasta water).

    5. Prepare pine nuts: Place the pine nuts in a small pan and dry toast briefly over a medium heat until golden stirring often (take care not to brown them too much). Remove from the pan immediately.

    Pine nuts in small pan on rack.

    6. Make pesto: Chop the roasted asparagus, peel the garlic and place along with the other ingredients, including the remaining oil (add only a bit of the water at this point) in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture starts coming together but still has texture. Do not puree until smooth.ย  Season to taste.

    Top down view of asparagus and other pesto ingredients in food processor bowl.
    Top down view of creamy asparagus pesto sauce in food processor bowl.

    7. Add pasta: Combine with the freshly cooked pasta and add more water if needed (use pasta water if you like) to create the consistency you want. Enjoy!

    Side view of pasta with asparagus pesto in pan with fork.

    How to serve pasta with asparagus pesto

    This pasta with asparagus pesto sauce is delicious as it is, but you can also serve it simply with garlic bread or bruschetta. For a low carb version of this recipe serve the pesto with spiralized zucchini. This dish is versatile and can be served with additional ingredients, including:

    • Protein: leftover rotisserie chicken, chopped ham or bacon as well as crumbled feta.
    • Vegetables: petits pois/garden peas, pan-fried cherry tomatoes, broccoli or roasted red peppers.
    • Flavour: add red pepper flakes, chili flakes or a touch of smoked paprika.

    Top tips

    • Start boiling the pasta when you are waiting for the asparagus to cool so that once the pesto sauce is ready you can combine it with the hot pasta.
    • Reserve some of the pasta water to add later into the sauce if needed.
    • Do not puree the sauce until smooth - it should have texture.
    • Asparagus pesto sauce works with different pasta shapes including fusilli, penne, tagliatelle, spaghetti or bow tie pasta (farfalle) so use your favourite!
    • Best served immediately. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day.ย After that the pesto may become prone to discoloration and will not taste as fresh.
    • Not suitable for freezing.

    More pesto recipes to try next

    • Caprese Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad
    • Avocado Pesto Pasta Sauce
    • Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
    • Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

    See also these other delicious, easy meals including vegetarian pasta recipes.

    Recipe

    Top down view of asparagus pesto pasta in pan with fork.

    Roasted Asparagus Pesto Pasta

    This asparagus pesto pasta is made with roasted asparagus and classic pesto ingredients for a deliciously creamy, herby pasta dish. Versatile, easy to make and bursting with flavour, this pasta with asparagus pesto is ready in as little as 30 minutes!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cooling Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 411kcal
    Author: Monika Dabrowski

    Equipment

    • Large baking sheet
    • Food processor

    Ingredients

    • 8.11 ounces (230 g) asparagus spears
    • 0.71 ounces (20 g) fresh basil small bunch, leaves only, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons pine nuts or blanched hazelnuts, almonds or sunflower seeds
    • ยฝ cup (50 g) Parmigiano-Romano cheese or similar, finely grated, vegetarian
    • 2 garlic cloves unpeeled
    • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1ยฝ teaspoons lemon juice
    • 8.82 ounces (250 g) pasta of your choice enough for 4, reserve some of the pasta water to add into the sauce if needed
    • ยฝ cup less 1tbsp (110 ml) water add gradually
    • Sea salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400 F/200 C/180 fan/gas mark 6. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
    • Prepare asparagus: Rinse the asparagus spears, pat them dry, place on a baking sheet (along with the garlic), brush with a little oil, season with salt and pepper and roast for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
    • Boil pasta: In the meantime start boiling your pasta in salted water (reserve some of the pasta water).
    • Toast pine nuts: Place the pine nuts in a small pan and dry toast briefly over a medium heat until golden stirring often (take care not to brown them too much). Remove from the pan immediately.
    • Make pesto: Chop the cooled asparagus, peel the garlic and place along with the other ingredients, including the remaining oil, (add only a bit of the water at this point) in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture starts coming together but still has texture. Do not puree until smooth. Season to taste.
    • Add pasta: Combine with the freshly cooked pasta and add more water (use pasta water if you like) if needed to create the consistency you want.ย Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Start boiling the pasta when you are waiting for the asparagus to cool so that once the pesto sauce is ready you can combine it with the hot pasta.
    • Reserve some of the pasta water to add later into the sauce if needed.
    • Do not puree the sauce until smooth - it should have texture.
    • This sauce works with different pasta shapes including fusilli, penne, tagliatelle, spaghetti or bow tie pasta (farfalle) so use your favourite.ย 
    • Best served immediately. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day. After that the pesto may become prone to discoloration and will not taste as fresh.
    • Not suitable for freezing.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 207mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 799IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 3mg

    *Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

    **A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!

    Keep in touch

    If you make this asparagus pesto pasta recipe I'd love to know how it turned out for you. Did you serve it with pasta or enjoy as a dip? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

    Follow me onย Facebook,ย Instagramย andย Twitterย for regular recipe updates!ย Or you could subscribe to this blog and receive all my latest recipes right into your mailbox!

     

    More Vegetarian and Vegan Meals

    • Top down view of sauerkraut pancakes with onion and sour cream on white plate.
      Sauerkraut Pancakes (Fuczki Recipe)
    • Top down view of vegetarian goulash in pot.
      Hungarian-Style Vegetarian Goulash
    • Top down view of mushroom sour cream sauce in large shallow pan.
      Simple Mushroom Sauce with Sour Cream
    • Side view of stuffed pumpkin slice on top of plate and pumpkin in background.
      Stuffed Pumpkin (Vegetarian)
    508 shares

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Midgie @ The Peachicks' Bakery says

      May 15, 2017 at 3:35 pm

      Oh my goodness - that looks amazing! we are big fans of asparagus here and are even growing our own now! Saved this one for later! Yum! Thanks for sharing x

      Reply
      • Monika says

        May 15, 2017 at 3:54 pm

        Thank you! I envy you being able to grow your own vegetables, the best I can do at the moment is grow herbs:)

        Reply
    2. turkswhoeat says

      May 12, 2017 at 1:46 pm

      This looks delicious! I love adding seasonal veggies to pasta

      Reply
      • Monika says

        May 12, 2017 at 2:36 pm

        Thank you! Me too, whenever possible:)

        Reply
    3. mealsandmakes says

      May 09, 2017 at 9:01 pm

      Wow, this looks delicious. I love asparagus and pesto, Ive never put them together before... and now I don't know why!

      Reply
      • Monika says

        May 10, 2017 at 7:31 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    4. jacqui says

      May 09, 2017 at 12:22 pm

      Oh some lovely ideas here Im sure the asparagus is going to go so well with the pasta.

      Reply
      • Monika says

        May 09, 2017 at 5:55 pm

        Thank you Jacqui!

        Reply
    5. Monika says

      May 08, 2017 at 2:52 pm

      Thank you Petra! It's a good combination, everyone in the family really liked it:)

      Reply
      • petra08 says

        May 08, 2017 at 4:42 pm

        That is always a winner ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    6. All That I'm Eating says

      May 08, 2017 at 11:42 am

      This sounds delicious, love how green it is, perfect for spring cooking.

      Reply
      • Monika says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:54 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    7. KR says

      May 08, 2017 at 10:07 am

      Look so delicious!! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thank you for inspiration and sharing recipe ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Monika says

        May 08, 2017 at 12:38 pm

        You are welcome!

        Reply

    Hi, I am Monika, welcome to Everyday Healthy Recipes! This blog is all about simple recipes with a healthy twist, old classics with a modern take, and an occasional Polish dish thrown into the mix - all easy to make and delicious, perfect for everyday cooking.

    Find out more about me โ†’

    Popular Posts

    • Top down view of pierogi in bowl, making pierogi and dough.
      5 Traditional Pierogi Recipes (plus tips for serving, freezing)
    • Side view of creamy brussels sprout soup in white bowl.
      Simple Brussels Sprout Soup
    • Top down view of cottage cheese egg salad in grey bowl with spoon.
      Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
    • Top down view of meatballs in mushroom sauce in large pan.
      Healthy Meatballs in Mushroom Sauce

    Polish Recipes

    • 4 colourful Polish soups in bowls.
      28 Traditional Polish Soups
    • Sauerkraut stew in green bowl with spoon with hands holding it, and grey pot with stew in background.
      Authentic Polish Bigos Stew Recipe
    • Top down view of cabbage rolls in large white shallow pan.
      Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Golabki) in Tomato Sauce
    • Close-up view of Polish potato dumplings in green bowl.
      Authentic Polish Potato Dumplings (Kopytka)

    Footer

    โ†‘ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • About

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for recipe updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 ยท Everyday Healthy Recipes

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required