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Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
- Salt and pepper
- 1–1/4 cups chopped asparagus
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1–3/4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 cups mini pasta shells
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large lemon 1/2 tsp zest; 1-2 tbsp juice
Instructions
- Allow the milk to reach room temperature while preparing other ingredients.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Set this aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium heat, add shallots seasoned with salt and pepper, and sauté until lightly golden for about 3-5 minutes.
- Add chopped asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is bright green. Stir in frozen peas and minced garlic, cooking for another minute. Transfer everything to a covered bowl to keep warm.
- In the same pot, keep the heat on medium and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the seasoning mixture and cook until the butter foams.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring occasionally, and bring it to a boil. Add pasta shells, reduce to a gentle boil, and cook uncovered for 7-10 minutes while stirring often until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, forming a creamy sauce. Scrape the pot's bottom often to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated parmesan in handfuls until melted and smooth. Incorporate the cooked vegetables, remaining butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix gently, adding a splash of milk to adjust sauce consistency if necessary and taste for seasoning adjustment.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, make sure your milk is at room temperature before adding it to the pot.
Using freshly grated parmesan will enhance the flavor more than pre-grated options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg