Monday, May 19, 2008

Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta with Grilled Asparagus

It's late May and it's so hot. Why? It's supposed to be gray and slightly cool. Where is May gray, Mr. Weatherman?

I can't write. My fingers are overheating. I can't cook. My kitchen is 85 degrees...AND I HAVE TWO FANS AT FULL BLAST.

Must find shade.

My chanclas are hating the hot pavement. What am I going to eat?

INGREDIENTS (serves 4)

  • 2 bunches asparagus (2 pounds total), tough ends removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
  • 12 ounces cavatappi or other short pasta
  • 1 small log soft goat cheese (5 ounces), crumbled
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS

Preheat your outdoor grill to high.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta--if you have a fancy grill with a burner, then you can do the whole thing outside.

Place asparagus on a plate and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place asparagus on grill over high heat turning each spear occasionally for 3-4 minutes, or to desired tenderness (asparagus should begin to brown in spots); cut into 2-inch lengths.

While asparagus is grillin', generously salt boiling water. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Set aside 1 1/2 cups pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.

In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, 3 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup pasta water. Season with salt and pepper, and whisk until smooth. Add goat-cheese mixture and asparagus to pasta; toss to combine, adding more pasta water if necessary for sauce to coat pasta. Serve pasta garnished with chives.

Recipe adapted and modified from Everyday Food.

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