Creamy Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta Delight
Indulge in the enchanting flavors of our Creamy Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta Delight. This dish brings together the earthy taste of fresh asparagus with the rich and creamy essence of heavy cream and aged Parmesan. The crispy prosciutto adds a delightful crunch and smoky depth that elevates this pasta dish to gourmet status. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a refreshing lunch, it's a quick 30-minute recipe that utilizes easily accessible ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or intimate gatherings. Serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (heated)
prosciutto
4 ounces (thin sliced and cut into 1/4 inch pieces)
garlic
1 clove (sliced thin)
heavy cream
1 cup (none)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
penne or fusilli pasta
1 lb (any with texture)
asparagus
1 lb (trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
fresh basil
3/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, generously salt the water with 1 tablespoon of salt.
2
While the water heats, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the prosciutto and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it's lightly browned and crispy. Transfer the crisped prosciutto to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
3
In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic to the remaining oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
4
Once the water is boiling, add the penne or fusilli and cook for approximately 8 minutes until it begins to soften. Then, add the asparagus to the pot. Cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and the pasta is al dente.
5
Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and asparagus. Return them to the pot.
6
Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and vegetables, add 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water, the grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Toss everything together until well combined, adding more reserved water as needed to reach desired consistency.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle the crispy prosciutto over the top.
8
Serve immediately, and enjoy the dish alongside warm, crusty bread to dip into the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
21.25g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta Delight?
It is a gourmet pasta dish featuring fresh asparagus, heavy cream, aged Parmesan, and crispy prosciutto, designed for a quick and flavorful meal.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This is a quick 30-minute recipe, making it ideal for busy weeknights or intimate gatherings.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of penne or fusilli, or any pasta with texture that can hold the creamy sauce.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
The asparagus should be trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces before being cooked.
How do I make the prosciutto crispy?
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the prosciutto, and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned and crispy.
What are the nutritional facts for this recipe?
Per serving, the recipe contains 375 calories, 21.25g of fat, 32.5g of carbohydrates, and 11.25g of protein.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of garlic, sliced thin.
What kind of cream should I use for the sauce?
Use 1 cup of heavy cream to achieve a rich and luscious sauce consistency.
When do I add the asparagus to the pasta water?
Add the asparagus to the pot during the last 4 minutes of the pasta's cooking time.
Should I save any of the pasta cooking water?
Yes, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the serving suggestion for this pasta?
It is best served immediately with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor profile.
How much fresh basil is used?
The dish requires 3/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot and salt it with 1 tablespoon of salt.
How do I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the sliced garlic in the remaining oil in the skillet for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
How long should the sauce simmer?
After adding the cream and lemon juice, let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used in this dish.
Is this dish suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing choice for lunch as well as a cozy family dinner.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Pour the cream sauce over the drained pasta and vegetables, add 1/2 cup of reserved water, Parmesan, and basil, then toss until combined.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, vegetable, asparagus, prosciutto, creamy sauce, quick meal, easy recipe, italian cuisine, dinner, and lunch.
What is the preparation for the prosciutto?
The prosciutto should be thinly sliced and cut into 1/4 inch pieces.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
When do I add the crispy prosciutto back to the dish?
Sprinkle the crispy prosciutto over the top of the pasta right before serving.
Is this an Italian cuisine dish?
Yes, it is tagged under Italian cuisine.
What is the texture of the finished pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente, combined with a luscious, thick creamy sauce and tender asparagus.
Can I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
Yes, you can add more of the reserved cooking water as needed until you reach your desired consistency.
Does the recipe include seasoning?
Yes, it suggests seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
What amount of prosciutto is required?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of prosciutto.
Is there any salt used in the pasta water?
Yes, the water should be generously salted with 1 tablespoon of salt.