Macaroni with Roasted Asparagus & Balsamic Butter

 Ingredients:

1 pound pasta

1 pound asparagus

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

1/4 pound butter, cut into pieces

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

2 teaspoons salt

Preparation:

Heat the oven to 400°. Snap the tough ends off the asparagus and discard them. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Put the asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Roast until tender, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer until 3 tablespoons remain. Stir in the brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from the heat.

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with the butter, vinegar, asparagus, Parmesan, and the remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons salt. Serve with additional Parmesan.

It looks great with vegetable salad as a Caesars or this excellent plate.