Penne with Asparagus

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne or ziti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cups prepared tomato sauce
• ⅔ cup half-and-half or plain soy milk
• 2 lbs thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ tsp dried tarragon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground pepper

Procedures

1. Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta; stir to prevent sticking.
3. Cook pasta until just tender according to package directions, about 10 minutes.
4. Drain well.
5. Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
6. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 7 minutes.
7. Stir in tomato sauce and half-and-half, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
8. Add asparagus and tarragon and reduce heat to low.
9. Partially cover and cook until asparagus are tender and sauce is slightly thickened, 10 to 12 minutes.
10. Add pasta to asparagus mixture along with salt and pepper.
11. Toss until well coated.
12. Serve hot.