Shaved Asparagus Noodles With Pesto is a fun and fresh way to enjoy your veggies. This dish brings a twist to traditional pasta by using asparagus instead. You’ll love how light and cool it feels!
Provides a quick low effort option for busy nights, reduces heavy meals with shaved asparagus instead of pasta, and fits gluten free and veggie preferences.
As someone who has to be careful with carbs, I often find myself searching for easy meals that won’t send my blood sugar soaring. This recipe saves the day when I want something satisfying yet healthy. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up!
This recipe is simple, taking only about 15 minutes in total, 10 minutes for prep and 5 minutes for cooking. You won’t need any fancy equipment. Just a peeler or knife to create those lovely asparagus noodles and you’re good to go.
If you want to add a bit more flair to your meal, consider topping it with grilled chicken or shrimp. If you’re in the mood for something sweet after dinner, check out my Crunchy Kale Chickpea Salad for a refreshing side!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fresh Flavor : The blend of fresh asparagus and herbaceous pesto delivers a light and savory taste that feels like spring on a plate. It’s bright and satisfying without weighing you down.
- Easy Prep : You can whip this up in no time, making it a quick meal option for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours cooking.
- Customizable : With the option to add your favorite toppings like feta or pine nuts, you can make this dish your own each time you prepare it.
- Convenient Storage : Any leftovers are easy to store in the fridge, so you can enjoy them again without hassle within a couple of days.
Shaved Asparagus Noodles with Pesto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: main course
- Method: sauté
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: vegetarian
Description
Fresh and healthy shaved asparagus noodles tossed in vibrant pesto, topped with feta and pine nuts, perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) asparagus, fresh
- 1 tsp (5ml) olive oil, extra virgin
- 1/4 cup (60g) pesto, store-bought or homemade
- 1/4 cup (40g) feta cheese, crumbled
- Pine nuts, toasted, to taste
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
Instructions
- Shave Asparagus Noodles: Start by using a sharp vegetable peeler to slice the asparagus into thin strips. You will see lovely, long noodles forming, and the fresh smell of asparagus will fill the air. Just be gentle, applying even pressure to keep them from breaking. Otherwise, you might end up with some uneven chunks.
- Prepare the Pesto: Blend your fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil in a food processor until everything is well combined. The vibrant green color will pop, letting you know you are on the right track. Do not rush it; you want a nice, creamy consistency. If you skip this part, your noodles might feel a bit bland.
- Cook the Asparagus: Heat up a pan over medium heat and toss in the asparagus noodles. After about five minutes, you will notice they turn a brighter green and become tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can get mushy if you are not paying attention.
- Mix in Pesto: Once the noodles are tender, add your homemade pesto and stir gently. The colors will blend beautifully, creating a delightful visual effect. Taste it as you go, adjusting for seasoning if needed. If you skip this step, your dish might end up lacking that kick of flavor.
- Serve & Enjoy: Scoop the noodles onto plates, making sure to drizzle any remaining pesto from the pan on top. The fresh and herbaceous aroma will make your mouth water. Do not forget to share with your family! Just remember, it is best eaten fresh, as the noodles can get a bit soggy if left too long.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Expert Tips: Use a very sharp vegetable peeler for best results.
- If asparagus noodles seem thick, a sharper vegetable peeler will help you create thinner, more even strips with gentle pressure.
- When using pesto, remember that creamy sauces work better since vegetable noodles will not absorb as much liquid like traditional pasta.
- If the asparagus is tough, ensure you snap off the tough ends before you start shaving to make them more tender.
- For an extra flavor boost, add generous amounts of garlic, lemon zest, or grated Parmesan to elevate the taste of your dish.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat on medium-low heat in a sauté pan until warmed through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Top with lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Recipe Variations: Add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Include sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Mix in cooked chickpeas for added protein.
- Ingredient Notes: Fresh asparagus is the star here! Look for bright green, firm stalks. Avoid any that are wilting or limp.
- A good drizzle of olive oil adds richness to your noodles. Go for extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Crumbled feta adds a tangy creaminess that balances the dish nicely. If you are not a fan, goat cheese is a tasty swap!
- Pine nuts give a lovely crunch. Toast them lightly for extra depth. If you are out, try walnuts or almonds.
- Do not skimp on the pepper! Freshly cracked adds a nice kick. You can use white pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 404mg
- Fat: 19.6g
- Saturated Fat: 5.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11.6g
- Fiber: 5.3g
- Protein: 10.7g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
Ingredient Notes
- Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the star here! Look for bright green, firm stalks. Avoid any that are wilting or limp.
- Olive oil: A good drizzle of olive oil adds richness to your noodles. Go for extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Pesto: This brings all the herb goodness! You can grab some store-bought or whip up your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy creaminess that balances the dish nicely. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese is a tasty swap!
- Pine nuts: They give a lovely crunch. Toast them lightly for extra depth. If you’re out, try walnuts or almonds.
- Black pepper: Don’t skimp on the pepper! Freshly cracked adds a nice kick. You can use white pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
Recipe Tips
- If asparagus noodles seem thick, a sharper vegetable peeler will help you create thinner, more even strips with gentle pressure.
- When using pesto, remember that creamy sauces work better since vegetable noodles won’t absorb as much liquid like traditional pasta.
- If the asparagus is tough, ensure you snap off the tough ends before you start shaving to make them more tender.
- For an extra flavor boost, add generous amounts of garlic, lemon zest, or grated Parmesan to elevate the taste of your dish.
- If you’re looking to make it a heartier meal, consider pairing the noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Serving Suggestions
These shaved asparagus noodles with pesto work well alongside grilled chicken or shrimp to boost protein in a meal. A fresh side salad complements the dish, offering additional nutrients and fiber, enhancing the overall experience.
You can incorporate these noodles into salads, wraps, or as a side dish for other proteins. They also work well in cold pasta salads, providing a light and healthy option for various occasions.
Top with lemon zest to add a bright finish that enhances the dish. Consider a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and richness, elevating the overall presentation.
Recipe variations
- You can use zucchini or carrots instead of asparagus for a different noodle-like texture and flavor in this dish.
- Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto for a burst of brightness and extra flavor.
- Either toss in halved cherry tomatoes for a sweet bite or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy undertone to the dish.
- If you’re scaling the recipe, use 2 lbs of asparagus and double the pesto and feta to maintain flavor across the servings.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your shaved asparagus noodles with pesto fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps flavors intact.
Freezing: Wrap noodles tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Warm noodles in a pan on low heat. Stir in a splash of olive oil or pesto for moisture.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Crunchy Kale Chickpea Salad
- Fried Lobster Tail
- Stuffed Lobster Tail
- Miso-Marinated Grilled Salmon Kebabs
If you enjoyed this Shaved Asparagus Noodles With Pesto or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
