Penne With Asparagus and Cream Sauce Recipe

Directions:

1. Prepare pasta according to box directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, wash asparagus, break off the woody stems and arrange on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper. Broil for 5-10 minutes until the asparagus is tender (to your personal taste). Once cooked, chop asparagus roughly and toss it with drained pasta in a large serving bowl.
3. Melt butter in a sauce pan and add garlic, sauteing until it is turning golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
4. Whisk in wheat flour to form a roux, being careful to avoid any lumps. When it is perfectly smooth, add white wine, whisking to incorporate.
5. Return saute pan to the heat, allow alcohol to evaporate (should take about 30 seconds) and immediately whisk in heavy cream.
6. Continuing to whisk, add shredded Gouda and stir gently until it melts. Once melted, add remaining ingredients and bring to temp., or just until the sauce begins to bubble.
7. Pour sauce over pasta and asparagus. Toss and garnish with toasted walnuts, if desired.