Cheesy Spiced Asparagus Al Dente "Pasta"

Cheesy Spiced Asparagus al dente "pasta"

The joy of pasta without the carbs or gluten!

The idea for this pasta free "pasta" came from a desire to eat the remaining half of the asparagus I purchased (see other recipe for first use) and because I was craving flavorful cheesiness. The fact that it is low carb is just a bonus.

The asparagus in this recipe acts like pasta that has been cooked al dente. The cheese and spice overpower the flavor of the asparagus so much so that you really could believe you are eating carb-laden pasta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 1 (but I was very full afterward)

You will need aluminum foil and an oven/toaster oven.

Ingredients:

1/2 bunch asparagus, rinsed and cut

big handful of shredded cheddar cheese

garlic powder

onion powder

black pepper

Cajun spice

hot sauce (optional)

cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut asparagus into pieces that are 1-2 inches long. Loosely pile asparagus on greased aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Pieces of asparagus can overlap but you want to be able to expose all pieces to cheese and spice.

Spray asparagus with cooking spray. Sprinkle desired spices (garlic, onion, pepper, Cajun) over asparagus. Place in oven for 20-25 minutes. In final 5 minutes of cooking, remove from oven and quickly sprinkle with hot sauce (optional) and cover with shredded cheese. Place back in oven and continue baking until cheese is melted. Be sure you don't allow cheese to start browning. You need it to be "melty" for the meal to seem like pasta.

Remove from oven and enjoy your low-carb, gluten free "pasta" dish.