Linguini with Asparagus and Pine Nuts

 I love simple pastas. And it doesn't get much easier than throwing in some veggies and cheese to make an easy healthy meal. We love this basic idea we got from Real Simple forever ago, we just lightened it up a little bit to make it a little healthier. Asparagus gives it a fresh bite and the pine nuts add a good nutty crunch.

 Linguini with Asparagus and Pine Nuts

• 1 box linguini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 5  cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2  pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 
• about a teaspoon kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 cup  shaved Parmesan

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and return it to the pot.
2. While the pasta cooks,  heat one tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes, do not overcook.
3. Add the asparagus, about a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of lemon pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the asparagus mixture to the pasta along with a little more salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and the other and toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle with the Parmesan before serving.

**Makes 4 servings
**It's a 3 on Bryce's dish scale, a pot, a skillet, a cutting board and knife.