Creamy Asparagus Stem Pasta

Let’s be honest, we’ve all snapped off those tough asparagus ends and felt a tiny twinge of guilt tossing them away. Well, not today! This creamy, dreamy pasta sauce gives those stems the spotlight they deserve. Zero waste. Maximum flavour.

Ingredients

• The ends of your asparagus (yep, those ones)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• A splash of cream
• Cooked pasta of your choice
• The rest of your asparagus (lightly blanched or sautéed)
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest
• Optional: pine nuts for crunch

Method

1. In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and fry the chopped onion until soft. Add your asparagus ends, season with salt and pepper and cook until tender and fragrant.
2. Pour in a splash of cream, simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. Add this mix to a blender and blitz until smooth. That’s your zero waste sauce sorted.
3. Toss your cooked pasta in the sauce, then add the rest of your asparagus pieces. Stir it all together until glossy and irresistible.
4. Finish with grated Parmesan, lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of pine nuts if you’re feeling fancy.