BAKED PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS, LEMON, AND MASCARPONE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F.
• Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
• Heat a large pot of water to boil.
• Add asparagus and cook 2 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon and run under cold water to stop cooking process, drain well.
• Add fettuccine to boiling water and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
• While fettuccine is cooking, heat oil in a skillet, add scallions and saute 1 minute.
• Add asparagus, saute 1 minute.
• Remove from heat and add half the zest, lemon juice, thyme, salt, pepper; mix well; set aside.
• In a saucepan melt butter, add flour and mix well.
• Whisk in milk and stir until boiling, lower heat and cook until thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in mascapone, remaining zest and 1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano, whisking until smooth.
• Season with allspice, cayenne, salt and pepper.
• Mix remaining cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper in a small bowl.
• For assembly:.
• Drain the cooked fettucine and return to pot.
• Stir in asparagus mixture, cheese sauce, toasted nuts and mix well.
• Pour into prepared pan, top with breadcrumb mixture.
• Bake uncovered 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden; serve.