Directions

• Boil about 4 inches of water in a large pot, when boiling add asparagus and cook about 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender crisp.
• Drain and chop into small bite sized pieces.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (you can use the same pot from the asparagus not to dirty too many dishes). Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.
• While pasta is cooking, in a medium saucepan heat 1-1/2 cups marinara sauce.
• Drain pasta and RESERVE a cup of the pasta water.
• Return pasta back to the pot and toss with marinara, asparagus, grated cheese, salt and pepper and a 1/4 cup of the pasta water or as needed to loosen the sauce.
• Divide between four bowls and top with fresh pepper and more grated cheese if desired.