Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Ingredients

• 1½ cups penne pasta
• ½ bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¾ C. whole milk
• 2 tsp. dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. all-purpose flour
• dash of salt and pepper
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1½ tsp. lemon juice
• ⅓ grated Parmesan Cheese
• ⅓ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in boiling water for 6 minutes. Add asparagus and continue cooking until just tender (about 3-5 more minutes). Drain and return to the pot.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk milk, mustard, flour, salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a small saucepan on medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly browned (stirring constantly) about 1 minute. Pour in the milk mixture and whisk. Continue stirring as you bring to a simmer. Cook until thick, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
4. Stir this sauce into the pasta and cook over medium-high heat. Cook until sauce is thick and creamy. Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta.
5. Top with remaining shredded Parmesan cheese as a topping. ENJOY!