Penne Rustica with a Kick
tossed with Asparagus & topped with Crispy Panko
- Wheat
- Tree Nuts
- Milk
The week just isn’t complete without at least one pasta night. If you agree, you’re in luck! Our chefs put together a dish that’s sure to curb the most ferocious of carb cravings. In this recipe you’ll find penne studded with tender asparagus, fresh tomatoes, and swirls of garlic herb butter. The dreamy dish is finished off with a sprinkle of Parmesan and your new secret culinary weapon: an almond, chili, and lemon panko topping. It’s so delicious and easy to whip up, don’t be surprised when you find yourself making this meal on repeat.
Ingredients
6 ounce
Penne Pasta
(Contains: Wheat)
6 ounce
Asparagus
1 unit
Roma Tomato
¼ ounce
Chives
1 unit
Lemon
¼ cup
Panko Breadcrumbs
(Contains: Wheat)
½ ounce
Almonds
(Contains: Tree Nuts)
1 teaspoon
Chili Flakes
2 tablespoon
Garlic Herb Butter
(Contains: Milk)
¼ cup
Parmesan Cheese
(Contains: Milk)
Not included in your delivery
3 teaspoon
Olive Oil
2 tablespoon
Butter
(Contains: Milk)
Salt
Pepper
Nutrition Values
Utensils
Cooking Steps
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. • Once boiling, add penne to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. • Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water (1 cup for 4 servings), then drain.
• Meanwhile, wash and dry produce. • Trim and discard woody bottom ends from asparagus; cut stalks crosswise into 1-inch-long pieces. Dice tomato. Mince chives. Zest and quarter lemon. • Melt 1 TBSP plain butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add panko and almonds; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. • Turn off heat. Stir in a pinch of lemon zest and a pinch of chili flakes. Transfer to a small bowl.
• Heat a drizzle of olive oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook, stirring often, until bright green and tender, 2-4 minutes. • Add tomato and cook, stirring, until slightly softened, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add drained penne, garlic herb butter, half the Parmesan (save the rest for serving), and 1⁄3 cup reserved pasta cooking water (½ cup for 4 servings) to pan with veggies; stir until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add half the chives, remaining lemon zest, 1 TBSP plain butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings), and as many remaining chili flakes as you like to pan with pasta. Cook, stirring, until everything is thoroughly coated in sauce, 1-2 minutes. TIP: If needed, stir in more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time. • Turn off heat; stir in a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
• Divide pasta between bowls. Sprinkle with panko mixture and remaining Parmesan. Add a drizzle of olive oil over bowls. Garnish with remaining chives and serve with any remaining lemon wedges on the side.
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Dec 2025- Flavor: Many enjoyed the dish's flavors, with the garlic herb butter and lemon zest adding brightness; some found it a bit bland.
- Ease of prep: Quick and easy to make, though a few noted complicated instructions or too many pans required.
- Suggestions: Consider adding protein like chicken or shrimp; some recommend extra sauce or cream for more moisture 🍲.
- Portions: Opinions varied; some found it filling while others wished for larger servings or more vegetables.
- Texture: The crispy panko and almond topping was a hit, adding a delightful crunch to the pasta 🎉.
