Linguine with Asparagus and Portabella Mushrooms

This quick Italian-style vegan pasta dish features fresh asparagus, which gives it a springtime touch, and portabella mushrooms, which makes it substantial. Try a flavored variety of linguine to further jazz up this dish.

Serves: 4 to 6

• 12 ounces linguini, regular or flavored (black peppercorn, tomato-basil, or other)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic
• 8 ounces slender asparagus, bottoms trimmed, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 2 large portabella mushroom caps, wiped clean, cut in half crosswise, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-cured), rehydrated if need be, and cut into strips
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Cook the linguini in plenty of rapidly simmering water until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and sauté over low heat for about 2 minutes, or until golden. Add the asparagus, mushrooms, dried tomatoes, and wine. Raise the heat to medium and sauté, stirring frequently, until most of the wine has evaporated and the asparagus is tender-crisp, about 6 minutes.

Combine the pasta and asparagus mixture in a large serving bowl and toss together. If the mixture needs more moistness, add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve at once.

Serve at once, passing around Parmesan cheese for topping, if desired.

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