Penne Rustica with a Kick tossed with Asparagus & topped with Crispy Panko

Step 1

• 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.

Step 2

• 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.

Step 3

• 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.

Step 4

• 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.

Step 5

• 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.

Step 6

• 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.