TOMATO AND ASPARAGUS "CARBONARA"

Steps:

• Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a Dutch oven.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add asparagus; sauté 3 1/2 minutes. Add garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Add tomatoes; cook for 6 minutes or until tomatoes are tender.
• Combine cheese, salt, pepper, and egg in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.
• Add pasta to boiling water; cook 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and toss pasta immediately with egg mixture. Add tomato mixture, tossing until sauce thickens. Divide pasta equally among 4 bowls. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon basil. Serve immediately.
• Wine Match: The bright, dry acidity of a sauvignon blanc will ­complement the grassy asparagus (and won't bring out an unflattering metallic taste). Try a fuller-bodied California wine like Simi Winery's Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc ($14), with crisp lemon and rich tropical notes. --Gretchen Roberts