Pasta with Asparagus, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze

I asked for this recipe after eating it at Heidi’s house. It is really yummy and “restaurant quality,” in my opinion… it takes a little bit of time, but not too difficult to make. Definitely worth it!

1 Tbsp plus ½ tsp salt
1 pound penne or bowtie pasta
¾ cup balsamic vinegar
5 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound asparagus, bottom 1 inch trimmed and discarded, spears halved lengthwise if larger
than ½ inch in diameter and cut into 1-inch lengths
1 medium-large red onion, halved and sliced 1/8 inch thick (about 1 ½ cups)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 cup shaved Romano or Parmesan cheese
Cooked salmon or shrimp (optional)

1. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in stockpot. Add 1 Tbsp salt and pasta, stir and cook until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
2. Just before putting pasta in boiling water bring balsamic vinegar to a boil in 8-inch skillet over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium and simmer slowly until syrupy and reduced to ¼ cup, 15 to 20 minutes. (This is the hardest part – you definitely have to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too thick!)
3. While pasta is cooking and balsamic is reducing, heat 2 Tbsp oil in 12-inch skillet over high heat until beginning to smoke. Add asparagus, onion, black pepper, pepper flakes, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt and stir to combine; cook without stirring, until asparagus begins to brown, about 1 minute, then stir and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 4 minutes longer. Add asparagus mixture, basil, lemon juice, ½ cup Romano or Parmesan, and remaining 3 Tbsp oil to pasta in stockpot; toss to combine. Add cooked salmon or shrimp if desired. Serve immediately, drizzling 1 to 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze over individual servings. Top with remaining cheese.

Try #? - May 2011
We've made this a few times before, but not in a while... this time we did it vegetarian. So delicious. This is one of our favorite meals!