Ditalini and Asparagus

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

While water comes to a boil, add olive oil and butter to a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Once butter is melted, add shallots and garlic to the pan and sweat until soft. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Deglaze pan with white wine, and add in red pepper flakes. Turn heat down to low while you cook pasta. (if pan beings to dry out as you are waiting on the pasta, you can add a dash of pasta water.)

Step 5

Once water is at a boil, heavily season water with salt and drop in the pasta. Stir.

Step 6

Once pasta is al dente, drain and (reserve some pasta water) add it to pan with the shallots. Add in sliced asparagus and a ladle of pasta water.

Step 7

Increase heat to medium low, and stir in the mascarpone and pecorino. Cook and stir until the everything is creamy and combined. Add more pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.

Step 8

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 9

Serve garnished with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and more pecorino cheese.