Cheesy Asparagus Pasta

5.0

(5)

This easy and irresistible weeknight dinner is ready in 35 minutes.

Prep Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:

4

This easy asparagus pasta recipe is just right for a spring dinner; consider it a delicious seasonal take on mac and cheese. It's ready in just 35 minutes, so you can enjoy it on a weeknight. Plus, it has all the cozy feels of a baked pasta, but it’s a clever shortcut dish that just needs a quick turn under the broiler to melt the cheeses and get that essential crispy topping. Did we mention our fun dinner makes individual portions, and everyone gets their own gratin dish? And there are three kinds of cheese: cream cheese makes the sauce thick and creamy in no time at all, cheddar brings the deep flavor, and Gruyère melts wonderfully and adds richness.

cheesy asparagus pasta in red pot — Credit: Chris Simpson

Directions

Preheat broiler and prep gratin dishes:

Preheat broiler, with rack 6 inches from heating element. Brush 4 small (8-ounce capacity) gratin dishes with butter.
Cook pasta; cook asparagus in same pot:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add pasta and cook according to package directions 1 minute less than al dente. Add asparagus and cook 1 minute more; drain.
Heat milk and add cream cheese:

Meanwhile, heat milk in a medium pot over medium-high until just simmering. Add cream cheese; whisk until smooth.
Add remaining cheeses to sauce:

Reserve 1/4 cup each cheddar and Gruyère; add remaining cheeses and butter to pot and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Add pasta and asparagus to sauce; divide between prepared dishes:

Add cooked pasta and asparagus; stir to coat. Divide mixture among prepared dishes; sprinkle with reserved cheeses.
Broil:

Broil, rotating dishes once, until pasta is crisp and browned in places, 1 to 2 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.