Sage Tortellini with Asparagus

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables, and this is a quick and easy way to incorporate it into a main dish. 

Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus
1 pound cheese tortellini
1/2 packed cup finely chopped sage
6 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
1. Prepare the tortellini as directed on the package. 
2. While the tortellini is cooking, heat the olive oil in a medium frying pan. When hot, add the sage and cook over medium heat until the sage is crispy.
3. Drain the tortellini and toss in the sage olive oil.
4. Gently snap off the woody ends from the asparagus. If you have a steamer basket, place the asparagus in it, taking care not to overlap them. Otherwise, add about 1/2-inch of water to the sauce pan and place the asparagus stem-side down, with the tips pointing up, out of the water. Cover the sauce pan with a lid and let the water simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, being careful not to overcook them. Remove them immediately from the steamer basket or water.
5. Carefully chop the asparagus into 1/2-inch pieces and gently toss in with the pasta.
6. Serve immediately.

Serves 6