Penne al Limone with Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

• 1 small shallot, peeled and finely diced

• 1 large bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut int 1-inch pieces on the diagonal

• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

• Juice + zest of 1 medium lemon

• Fresh basil for serving (optional)

Directions:

Cook pasta until al dente according to instructions. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cup pasta water.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in heavy bottom pot over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot and saute until soft, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and asparagus and cook until asparagus just starts to turn bright green, about 1 minute. Add pasta, 1 cup reserved pasta water, and parmesan and continue to cook, stirring occasionally and adding additional reserved pasta water until needed, until pasta is fully coated.

Remove from heat. Toss with lemon juice and lemon zest. Season alt and pepper to taste and serve with fresh basil. Enjoy!