Orecchiette with Truffle-Asparagus Pesto

• servings: 6 servings
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Kosher salt

1 bunch medium asparagus, ends trimmed

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup blanched hazelnuts

1/2 cup fresh basil

1/2 cup fresh chervil

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1/3 cup grated truffle pecorino cheese, plus more for topping

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

Freshly ground pepper

1 pound orecchiette pasta

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Directions

Prepare a large bowl of salted ice water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and garlic and cook until the asparagus is crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer the asparagus and garlic to the ice water using a slotted spoon (reserve the pot of water). Let the asparagus and garlic cool, then drain and pat dry. Chop off the asparagus tips and set aside; roughly chop the stems.

Make the pesto: Toast the hazelnuts in a large dry skillet over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a food processor and let cool, then pulse until roughly chopped. Add the asparagus stems and garlic to the food processor; pulse until smooth. Add the basil and chervil. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil and puree until smooth. Add the truffle pecorino, parmesan, lemon zest and juice, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, pulsing until combined.

Return the pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 3/4 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta and return to the pot. Add the pesto, butter and the reserved asparagus tips. Cook over low heat, tossing and adding the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen, until coated. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle each serving with olive oil and top with more truffle pecorino.

Nutrition

• Calories: 576
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 22mg
• Sodium: 402mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 61g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 17g