Asparagus Lemon Pasta

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1/2" pieces
3/4 lb bow-tie pasta
3 TBS butter
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 TBS freshly grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Accompaniment: Freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese

Place asparagus pieces in boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. Immediately transfer to colander and rinse with cold water. Place on paper towels to drain.

Cook pasta until al dente, and drain. In large skillet, heat butter and cream on medium heat until butter is melted, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice and pepper. Reduce sauce slightly. Add cooked pasta and asparagus and heat through (1 minute). Serve with grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese. 4 servings.