Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter

This is another Pinterest Recipe (what did I do before Pinterest!) that was originally from Food and Wine.  This was really easy to make, although I used a bunch of pans. I ended up cooking some chicken to cut and go with this because Bill always says my veggie pasta dishes can always use chicken.  This was really lite and super delicious. I really liked the flavor or the oven roasted asparagus with pasta.  I preferred it without chicken and Bill liked it with Chicken.  I will definitely make this again!

Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter
From: Food and Wine via Pinterest
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min


Ingredients:
1 lb asparagus
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp brown sugar
1 pound penne pasta
1/4 pound butter, cut into pieces
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Take the ends off the asparagus and cut into 1 inch pieces.  Put the asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with the oil and 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper.  Roast until tender, about 10 minutes.

2. Cook the penne according to directions on box.  drain pasta.

3. Meanwhile, put the vinegar in a small saucepan.  Simmer until 3 Tbsp remain.  Stir in brown sugar and remaining 1/4 tsp pepper. Remove from heat.

4. Toss pasta with butter, vinegar, asparagus, Parmesan and remaining 1 3/4 tsp salt.  Serve with additional Parmesan.