Recipe

Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and add 2 tbsp salt. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions for al dente minus 1 minute; set the timer.

Step 2: Place the leeks and the milk in a large microwave safe bowl, cover with plastic, and microwave on high until the leeks are tender, about 6 minutes.

Step 3: Pour the leek and milk mixture into a blender and add 3/4 of the Parmigiano. Process until very smooth.

Step 4: Scrape the contents of the blender into a large nonstick skillet, place over medium-high heat, and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Once the timer goes off for the pasta, add the asparagus to the pasta water. Cook for 30 seconds, then drain and add the pasta and asparagus to the pan. Cook until the sauce sticks to the pasta, 1-2 minutes. Coat with 16 pumps of butter spray and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Step 6: Divide the pasta among 4 plates and sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano.

See more recipes from Rocco DiSpirito.

Reprinted with permission from Rocco DiSpirito’s Now Eat This! Italian (2012 Grand Central Life & Style).