Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 pound asparagus
• 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco^® hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta, uncooked
•  1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to instructions, omitting salt.
2. Cut asparagus into 2″ pieces. Mince garlic.
3. In a medium skillet heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add asparagus, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice and black pepper to skillet and cook for 6 minutes until tender crisp.
5. Drain pasta and transfer to a bowl. Add asparagus  and toss.
6. Top with shredded cheese and serve.

Helpful hints

• Thicker asparagus stalks may require longer cooking time.
• Add diced cooked chicken or shrimp to make an entrée dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and Tabasco sauce to taste.