Asparagus Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups asparagus, chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh sage leaf, plus sprigs
• pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Place pasta and broth in a 4-5 quart pan over high heat, cover, and bring to a boil.

2. 2

   Reduce heat to medium-high, cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Add asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is barely tender to bite, 8-10 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in cheese; remove pan from heat.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, cook oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat, 3-4 minutes. Add sage leaves, stir often until edges begin to curl, 2-3 minutes.

6. 6

   Remove from heat. With a slotted spoon, lift sage to a towel.

7. 7

   Reserve oil.

8. 8

   Crumble sage leaves; add sage and oil to pasta and mix.

9. 9

   Garnish with sage sprigs. Add pepper to taste.