Roasted Asparagus Pasta with Garlic Butter

Hands-down, my favorite pasta dish! If you love the taste of garlic and asparagus, you'll really like this!!

• 2 T. butter
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 8 oz. whole wheat rotini pasta
• 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
• 1 T. olive oil
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 T. sesame seeds
• 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1-2 T. chopped, fresh chives

In a small saucepan, over low heat, saute the garlic in the butter until soft and fragrant; set aside.

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box; drain well.

Combine the asparagus, oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 400 for 15-20 minutes; stirring once or twice, until tender.  Add in sesame seeds the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

Mix together, the pasta, asparagus, garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. Add more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve with the fresh chives scattered over top.

Makes 3 hearty servings, but easily doubled for a larger group.