This creamy no-cook sauce is very simple: Whisk together goat cheese, reserved pasta water, and butter, and toss with pasta and roasted asparagus. The corkscrew shape of cavatappi is just right for cradling the sauce.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet; dot with 2 tablespoons butter, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, tossing occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cut into 2-inch lengths.
Step 2
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil; add a generous amount of salt. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 1/2 cups pasta water; drain pasta, and return to the pot.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine goat cheese, remaining 3 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper, and whisk until smooth.
Step 4
Add goat-cheese mixture and asparagus to pot; toss with pasta to combine, adding enough additional pasta water to create a thin sauce to coat pasta. To serve, divide among shallow bowls, and garnish with chives.
