Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F and bring a big pot of water to a boil.

Step 2

Trim off the woody bottoms of the asparagus. Toss the asparagus with oil, salt and pepper.

Step 3

Spread the asparagus out on a rimmed baking sheet in one even layer. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and starting to brown.

Step 4

Meanwhile, cook the ziti (or pasta of choice) according to package directions in well salted water.

Step 5

While the pasta is cooking and the asparagus is roasting, make the sauce.

Step 6

In a small skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of oil (or 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth) over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 7

Combine the beans, onion/garlic mixture, vegetable broth, lemon juice, and salt in a high speed blender and purée until smooth. Add a little more broth (or some of the pasta water) to thin if needed.

Step 8

To serve, combine the ziti and sauce and serve the asparagus either on the side or mixed in with the noodles.

Step 9

Garnish with extra lemon zest, parsley, and an extra squeeze of fresh lemon, if desired.