FETTUCCINE WITH ASPARAGUS, LEMON, PINE NUTS & MASCARPONE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400F or 450°F (Note the slightly higher oven temperature when baking fresh egg pasta.) Lightly coat a large, shallow baking dish with olive oil.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the asparagus and blanch until tender but with a slight bite left to it, about 2 minute Scoop it from the water with a large slotted spoon, set it in a colander, and run it under cold water to preserve its green color.
• Drain well.
• Keep the water boiling for the pasta.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the scallions; sauté 1 minute to soften.
• Add the asparagus and sauté briefly, about 1 minute Take the skillet off the heat and add half the zest, the lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper; mix well and reserve.
• In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and flour over medium heat, whisking until smooth.
• Cook for 1 min.
• ,whisking constantly, to cook away the raw taste of the flour.
• Add the milk and cook, whisking all the while, until it comes to a boil.
• Lower the heat a bit and cook until smooth and lightly thickened (about the consistency of heavy cream), 3 or 4 minute.
• Turn off the heat and add the mascarpone, the remaining lemon zest, and 1/2 cup of the grana padano, whisking until the mixture is fairly smooth (there will be a slight grainy texture from the cheese).
• Season with the cayenne, allspice, and more salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and the remaining grana padano.
• Season with salt and pepper and add a drizzle of olive oil.
• Mix well.
• Return the cooking water to a full boil and cook the fettuccine, leaving it slightly underdone.
• Drain well.
• Return the fettuccine to the cooking pot.
• Add the mascarpone sauce, the pine nuts, and the asparagus with all its juices.
• Toss and taste for seasoning.
• Pour into the baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
• Bake uncovered until bubbling and golden, 15 to 20 minute Serve right away.