CREAMY CHEESE TORTELLINI WITH ASPARAGUS

Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Asparagus image

Provided by Paul Grimes

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

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4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, smashed
3 large thyme sprigs
2 (2- by 1-inch) strips lemon zest
1 (16-to 20-ounces) package refrigerated, frozen, or dried cheese tortellini
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 bunch asparagus (3/4 pound), trimmed and thinly sliced diagonally
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

Boil broth with garlic, thyme, zest, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large heavy skillet until reduced to about 1 cup, about 6 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs and zest.
Meanwhile, cook tortellini in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (1 1/2 tablespoons salt for 4 quarts water) according to package directions. Drain.
Stir cornstarch into cream, then whisk into broth. Bring to a simmer, whisking, then continue to simmer 1 minute. Add asparagus and simmer until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in cheese and tortellini and cook, gently stirring, until heated through.