ASPARAGUS CACIO E PEPE

Asparagus cacio e pepe

  • Serves 4
  • Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 15 mins

Cacio e pepe, simply translating to ‘cheese and pepper’, is a beautifully simplistic and indulgent pasta dish that everyone should try! With an added pop of crisp NZ asparagus, this recipe is the definition of home comforts.

Ingredients

  • 250g dried spaghetti

  • 100g butter

  • 1 bunch asparagus, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus extra for garnish

  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Method

  1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the dried spaghetti and cook per pack instruction. Reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid before draining, then set aside.

  2. Bring a large pan to a medium heat, then add the butter and melt. Add the sliced asparagus to the butter and cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes.

  3. Pour the reserved cooking liquid to the pan and bring to a simmer, then add the pasta, grated parmesan and pepper to the pan.

  4. Use tongs to gently stir the pasta as the cheese melts and creates a rich sauce. Transfer the pasta and asparagus to serving bowls, then garnish with additional grated parmesan and serve immediately.