Bowtie Pasta with Asparagus and Peas

Bowtie pasta is so pretty. I love using it because it makes for a wonderful presentation and the shape lends itself well to all kinds of sauces or none at all. While touring Italy, I discovered so many ways to prepare pasta and most of them did not include tomato sauce. Adding fresh vegetables is a great way of adding texture and color as well as making it healthy. The use of asparagus was intentional as it reminds me of Spring and seemed appropriate. We can’t forget the cheese or the cayenne pepper though, which is what gives the whole dish that pop of flavor!