Asparagus & Tomato Pesto Pasta

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Fast and fresh, this pasta is also great served with grilled chicken breasts. This is a great dinner for any kind of weather. Be sure to pick fresh tomatoes and asparagus for the best flavor.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti or whole-wheat spaghetti

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

2½ cups sliced asparagus, cut in 2-inch slices

1½ cups grape tomatoes, halved

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons mixed herb pesto

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain pasta in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid.

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add red pepper and asparagus; cook 5 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Add tomatoes and garlic; cook 1 minute. Add pasta, salt, and remaining ingredients; toss well. Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, adding reserved 1/4 cup pasta water, if needed.

You can find this and other recipes here at safeway.com.