Have you tried the Trader Joe’s or shall I say Trader Jaques Shells with Brie and Asparagus? The pre-made dish can be found in the frozen section displayed in a country style ramekin with a handle and boasting that it is “sinfully rich and worth every bite.” To be honest, I found it to be a bit bland. With a mission to improve on this recipe. I was inspired to come up with my own Asparagus and Brie with Pasta.
I stayed with the pasta shells rather than selecting a more sophisticated pasta, which could turn this into a very adult and even scintillating impressive dish on your table. Since, September traditionally marks back to school time, I thought this easy dish could also be a great quick meal for parents and pack in some vegies. What kid doesn’t love gooey cheese pasta and the shells make it more fun. You could serve it this way in the summer time as well for a very nautical themed meal.
Ingredients
1 bunch fresh asparagus cut into 1 inch pieces
4-6 cloves fresh garlic, mashed through a garlic press or finely minced
1 pound Brie
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1½ pounds uncooked pasta shells
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for sprinkling
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In large Dutch oven or remekin combine asparagus and garlic.
- Cut one slice of brie and set aside.
- Remove rind from Brie using a knife or a peeler. Once rind is removed, tear brie apart using your hands into small 1 inch pieces. Add brie to pot.
- Add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package directions. When cooked, drain pasta water and add pasta to Brie mixture.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly.
- Sprinkle Parmesan or Pecorino RomanoPreheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In large Dutch oven or combine asparagus and garlic.
- Cut one slice of brie and set aside.
- Remove rind from Brie using a knife or a peeler. Once rind is removed, tear brie apart using your hands into small 1inch pieces. Add brie to pot.
- Add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package directions. When cooked, drain pasta water and add pasta to Brie mixture. Stir thoroughly.
- Sprinkled Parmesan or Pecorino Romano place slice of brie on top and bake in oven for 15 minutes.
