Pasta Primavera with Asparagus

If you love Asparagus, you will love this pasta dish. One of the best I have ever tried out of a magazine.

16 thin stalks fresh asparagus
8 oz. Fettuccine/Linguine pasta
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp. salt
3 small tomatoes
3 Tbsp. butter
1 pinch of thyme

Wash asparagus and cut diagonally. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and pepper; cook and stir for 30 seconds. Add asparagus, broth, butter and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cook uncovered for about 3 minutes or until the asparagus is crisp and tender, stirring occasionally. Add pasta, thyme and tomatoes. Toss and serve.