Fusilli with Asparagus, Peas, and Arugula

When springtime arrives, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh and vibrant flavors in our dishes. For a light and refreshing pasta sauce that would complement the heartiness of whole-wheat pasta, we turned to the classic combination of asparagus and green peas. To add depth and sweetness, we included leeks and garlic, while baby arugula provided a slight hint of spiciness. The key to maintaining the bright color and crisp-tender texture of asparagus was blanching it in the same water used to cook the pasta. To create a creamy sauce, we incorporated tangy and bold goat cheese, which paired beautifully with the whole-wheat fusilli. A finishing touch of extra-virgin olive oil added richness to the dish. If baby arugula is not available, baby spinach can be used as a substitute. Follow the recipe below to create a bright and light springtime pasta dish that will delight your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound leeks, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced thin, and washed thoroughly
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup frozen peas, thawed
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut on bias into 1-inch lengths
• 12 ounces (5 cups) whole-wheat fusilli
• 4 ounces (4 cups) baby arugula
• 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (½ cup)
• ¼ cup shredded fresh basil

PREPARATIONS:

1. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced leeks and cook until softened and beginning to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a brief simmer. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the thawed peas and lemon juice. Cover and let the mixture sit for about 2 minutes until the peas are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and 1 tablespoon of salt, cooking until the asparagus is crisp-tender, which should take about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the asparagus to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Return the pot of water to a boil and add the whole-wheat fusilli. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it reaches al dente consistency. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
6. Add the baby arugula to the pot, one handful at a time, and toss to wilt the arugula. Add the leek mixture, asparagus, goat cheese, shredded basil, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Toss the ingredients to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the consistency of the dish by adding the reserved cooking water as needed.
7. Serve the springtime pasta dish and enjoy its fresh flavors and vibrant colors.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Blanching the asparagus in the pasta water helps retain its bright color and crisp-tender texture.
• Adjust the consistency of the dish by adding the reserved cooking water as needed.

TIPS:

• Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for a flavorful finishing touch.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other seasonal vegetables of your choice.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 490
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Carbohydrates: 79g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 15g
• Sodium: 550mg

This bright and light springtime pasta dish showcases the fresh and vibrant flavors of asparagus, green peas, leeks, and baby arugula. The creamy tang of goat cheese complements the hearty whole-wheat fusilli, while the drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil adds a touch of richness. With each forkful, you’ll experience a balance of earthy and refreshing tastes that perfectly capture the essence of spring. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to delight. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other seasonal vegetables to add your personal touch to this delicious pasta dish. Enjoy the flavors of spring with every bite.