1. In a food processor, pulse 1/2 cup mint, pistachios, cheese, garlic, and zest with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until finely chopped. Add oil; pulse until a loose paste forms.

2. Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water 5 minutes. Add asparagus; cook until crisp-tender and pasta is al dente, about 3 minutes more. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Let cool 10 minutes.

3. In a serving bowl, combine pasta and asparagus with pesto and tomatoes. Toss with 1/4 cup pasta water, adding more, a few tablespoons at a time, until sauce evenly coats pasta. Serve, topped with remaining mint, chopped pistachios, cheese, and a drizzle of oil.