Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Peas

For this simple and delectable dish of pasta, asparagus and peas, use slender asparagus and you won't need to scrape the stalks. With its creamy sauce (made of silken tofu), you can think of it as a kind of vegan alfredo, boosted by lots of veggies.

Serves: 6 or more

10 to 12 ounces farfalle, rotini, gemelli,
or other chunky pasta shape, preferably whole-grain
1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, as desired
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 to 12 ounces slender asparagus
1 cup frozen green peas (or fresh shelled peas, if available)
1 medium yellow summer squash, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
⅓ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
¼ cup minced fresh parsley or sliced fresh basil
12.3-ounce package firm silken tofu
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or the juice of ½ lemon)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Cook the pasta according to package directions in plenty of rapidly simmering water until al dente, then drain.

Meanwhile, peel the bottom halves only if need be; if tender and slim, this won't be necessary. Cut the spears into approximately 1 ½-inch lengths.

Heat the oil in a wide skillet or steep-sided stir-fry pan. Add the garlic and sauté over low heat until golden.

Add ¼ cup water along with the asparagus, peas, squash, and dried tomatoes. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are all just tender-crisp.

Combine the silken tofu and lemon juice in a food processor or blender and process until perfectly smooth.

Stir in with the vegetables and cook just until heated through. Combine the cooked pasta and vegetables in a large serving container.

Add the parsley or basil; toss gently and thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper, and serve at once.