PENNE WITH ROASTED ASPARAGUS

I am in LOVE with Pinterest and have a board FULL of fabulous foods to cook.  With that said, I am so over this "temporary living" situation we are in and SO ready to have my kitchen back...my cooking utensils...my pampered chef knives....*sigh.


Long story short, we moved to WY from TX in August, we are having a house built and my family of six is in a 3 bedroom company townhouse which is fullY furnished....but for a family of four.  We close on our house Sept. 30 and the movers will be arriving with our stuff Oct 1.  This gal will be getting her cook on come October, so y'all get ready!!


Now, to this incredibly tasty pasta.  Found this Penne on Pinterest and Pinned it.  Thank you Food and Wine for this delicious dinner idea.  The balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and pepper makes such a unique sauce, and paired with the asparagus just makes it incredible.  My mouth is watering just thinking about  it.


PRINTABLE VERSION
What you need:
1 pound asparagus
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 cup PLUS 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp brown sugar
1 lb penne
1/4 pound butter, cut into pieces
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving


PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

1. Heat the oven to 400°. Snap the tough ends off the asparagus and discard them. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Put the asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Roast until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, put the vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer until 3 tablespoons remain. Stir in the brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from the heat.
3. Cook the penne in a large pot of boiling, salted water until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with the butter, vinegar, asparagus, Parmesan, and the remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons salt. Serve with additional Parmesan.