Ingredients

• 8 ounces dried fusilli, fettuccine, linguine or other long pasta noodles
  
• 16 fresh asparagus spears (about 3/4 lb.)
  
• 4 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
  
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  
• 2 medium carrots, very thinly bias-sliced
  
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
  
• 6 roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 2-1/4 cups)
  
• 1/4 cup extra-dry vermouth, dry white wine, or vegetable broth
  
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  
• 2 tablespoons butter
  
• 1/4 cup shredded fresh basil
  
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cashews or sliced almonds, toasted
  
• 1 ounce smoked Gouda or provolone cheese, thinly shaved