Penne With Asparagus Pesto and White Beans

12 ounces (1 large bunch) asparagus

1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more as needed

12 ounces dried whole-wheat penne, or another short pasta shape

3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 small bunches basil (1 loosely packed cup)

1 clove garlic, chopped

¼ cup raw almonds

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, or more as needed, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or more as needed

½ cup vegetarian Parmesan cheese, finely grated, plus more for serving (see note)

One 15-ounce can no-salt-added cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (about 1½ cups)

Trim and discard the tough/woody ends of each asparagus spear. Cut the tips with about a thumb's length of stalk and reserve them; cut the remaining stalks into 2-inch lengths.

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil over high heat, add the teaspoon of salt and the 2-inch pieces of stalks; cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a food processor.

Once the water in the saucepan returns to a boil, stir in the pasta and cook according to the package directions, or until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.

Return the (now-empty) saucepan to high heat. Add the asparagus tips and 1 teaspoon of the oil. Cook, stirring constantly, until they are lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat (you'll use the pan one more time) and transfer the tips to a plate.

Stack, roll tightly and cut a few large basil leaves into ribbons; reserve for garnish.

Combine the garlic, almonds and the remaining basil in the food processor (with the asparagus pieces). Add the tablespoon of lemon juice and the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil; pulse to form a coarse puree, stopping to scrape down the sides a few times. Add the lemon zest and vegetarian Parm; pulse a few times to incorporate and form the pesto. Taste and add more lemon juice and/or salt, as needed.

Return the saucepan to medium-low heat. Add the drained pasta, along with the beans and the asparagus pesto. Toss gently to incorporate, adding just enough of the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, to create a creamy sauce.

Once the pasta has warmed through, divide it among warmed bowls or plates. Top each portion with some sauteed asparagus tips, basil ribbons and more cheese. Serve right away.

Note: Vegetarian Parmesan (dairy cheese that does not use animal rennet) is made by such companies as Sargento and Bel Gioso and can be found in Whole Foods Markets and other stores.

Makes 6 servings

Nutrition | Per serving: 410 calories, 15 g protein, 55 g carbohydrates, 14 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 450 mg sodium, 9 g dietary fiber, 3 g sugar

Adapted from "Good Veg: Ebullient Vegetables, Global Flavors, a Modern Vegetarian Cookbook," by Alice Hart (The Experiment, 2017).