Creamy Asparagus Ziti with Smoked Mozzarella and Prosciutto
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful pasta dish that beautifully balances tender asparagus with the rich, smoky notes of mozzarella and the savory crunch of prosciutto. Inspired by a traditional Italian recipe, this ziti is perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a delightful meal shared with friends. Each bite is packed with fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs, making it a satisfying option for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Serve it with a side salad and a glass of white wine for the ultimate dining experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
asparagus
1 lb (chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces)
ziti pasta
8 ounces (dry)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
prosciutto
3 ounces (thinly sliced and cut into strips)
smoked mozzarella cheese
3 ounces (diced (about 1/2 cup))
fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions.
2
Two minutes before the pasta is done, add the chopped asparagus to the pot. Once the ziti is cooked al dente, drain the pasta and asparagus, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
4
Add the drained ziti and asparagus to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the garlic oil. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, if needed, to create a light sauce.
5
Stir in the strips of prosciutto, diced smoked mozzarella, and sliced fresh basil. Toss well to combine and allow the cheese to melt slightly.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat, and season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Asparagus Ziti with Smoked Mozzarella and Prosciutto?
It is a flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines tender asparagus, smoky mozzarella, and savory prosciutto in a light garlic oil sauce.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of ziti pasta.
How much asparagus do I need?
You will need 1 pound of asparagus for this dish.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces before cooking.
When do I add the asparagus to the pasta?
Add the chopped asparagus to the boiling water two minutes before the ziti is finished cooking.
What makes the mozzarella in this recipe unique?
This recipe uses smoked mozzarella cheese to add a rich, smoky flavor profile to the dish.
How much smoked mozzarella is required?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of smoked mozzarella, which is approximately 1/2 cup when diced.
What meat is included in this pasta?
Thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into strips, is used to provide a savory crunch.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the garlic and coat the pasta.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
Two minced garlic cloves are used to flavor the dish.
Why should I reserve the pasta cooking water?
Reserved pasta water is added a little at a time to the skillet to help create a light, silky sauce.
What fresh herb is recommended for this dish?
Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, are used for aromatic flavor and garnish.
How do I cook the ziti pasta?
Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic in olive oil for about 20 seconds or until it becomes fragrant.
How is the prosciutto prepared?
The 3 ounces of prosciutto should be thinly sliced and then cut into strips.
Do I need to melt the cheese completely?
The diced mozzarella should be tossed with the hot pasta until it just begins to melt slightly.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and is suitable for a fast weeknight dinner.
What side dishes go well with this ziti?
A fresh side salad and a glass of white wine are recommended pairings for this meal.
What is the preparation method for the basil?
The basil should be thinly sliced, also known as a chiffonade cut.
Can I substitute the ziti with another pasta?
While ziti is traditional for this recipe, other tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni would also work well.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable dishes.
Is the mozzarella diced or shredded?
The smoked mozzarella should be diced into small pieces.
How much pasta water should I reserve?
You should reserve at least 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Does this recipe use heavy cream?
No, the 'creamy' texture comes from the combination of melted smoked mozzarella and the starchy pasta water.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper at the very end after removing the skillet from the heat.
What is the texture of the finished asparagus?
By boiling it for the last two minutes with the pasta, the asparagus remains tender yet crisp.
Is this a good dish for entertaining?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying option that is sure to impress guests.