Hey there, food lovers! Adam here from Cooking with Busch. Today, we're whipping up a dish that looks incredibly fancy but is surprisingly simple to make: our Prosciutto and Asparagus Pasta. If you've been following along, you know I'm all about creating delicious food without the fuss, and this recipe truly embodies that. It's perfect for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests! My background includes time as a sous-chef in a fine dining setting many years ago, and while my career path eventually led me in a different direction, my passion for crafting delicious food has remained a constant presence in my home. This blog is where I'll be sharing a mix of recipes: those time-tested favorites that have been a staple in my kitchen for years, and new dishes that I've discovered while exploring the endless possibilities of home cooking.

The Magic of Prosciutto

Let's talk about the star of the show: prosciutto. These delicate, thinly sliced pieces of cured ham bring such an incredible depth of flavor and a delightful crispiness to the dish. As they hit the hot pan with just a touch of olive oil, you'll hear that satisfying sizzle and watch them transform into golden, crispy bites. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering, a savory, slightly salty fragrance that fills your kitchen and promises something truly special. Once they're perfectly rendered and cooked to a delightful crispness, we remove the prosciutto from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess fat. We then set them aside, ready to sprinkle over the pasta as a savory, crunchy topping, adding an irresistible texture and a burst of rich flavor to every bite.

Asparagus: The Freshness Factor

Next up, the vibrant green asparagus. There's something so lovely about fresh asparagus in a pasta dish. We're adding it directly to the pot with the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking, specifically when about 5 minutes remain on your pasta timer. This way, it cooks to a tender-crisp perfection, retaining its bright color and subtle, earthy flavor. As it cooks alongside the pasta, it absorbs some of that starchy water, infusing it with a delicate sweetness. It adds a wonderful bite and a healthy touch, providing a fresh contrast that balances out the richness of the sauce. The slight snap of perfectly cooked asparagus is simply divine against the softness of the pasta.

Crafting the Creamy, Dreamy Sauce

Now for the heart of the dish – the sauce! In the same pot where we cooked our prosciutto (no need to clean it – those little bits of flavor are pure gold!), we add minced garlic. We sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it releases its amazing, pungent aroma, filling the kitchen with its comforting scent. Then, in goes the heavy cream, chicken broth, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice is key here; it cuts through the richness of the cream and adds a bright, zesty note that elevates the entire dish, preventing it from feeling too heavy. We bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it visibly thickens into a luscious, velvety sauce that's ready to cling to every strand of pasta. The texture becomes incredibly smooth and inviting, promising a truly decadent experience.

Bringing It All Together

Once your pasta and asparagus are perfectly cooked al dente, and your sauce is thick and creamy, it's time for the grand finale. The cooked pasta and asparagus go back into the pot with the sauce, and we gently toss everything together until every piece is beautifully coated, ensuring that each bite is infused with the creamy, lemony goodness. Then, we sprinkle that crispy prosciutto over the top, adding a fantastic textural contrast and a burst of savory flavor. For a final flourish, a generous handful of fresh basil leaves and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese are added. The fresh basil adds a pop of vibrant color and a lovely herbaceous aroma that awakens the senses, while the Parmesan brings a salty, nutty finish that ties all the flavors together harmoniously. If the pasta seems a little too thick, remember that secret ingredient from earlier? Add the reserved starchy pasta water, a tablespoon or two at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

This Prosciutto and Asparagus Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering gourmet flavors with minimal effort. I hope you give it a try! I believe that creating great food shouldn't be overly complicated, and I'm here to provide you with approachable recipes and guidance to help you make the most of your own kitchen.

Don't forget to let me know what you think in the comments section below! I love hearing your feedback and seeing your creations.

Prosciutto and Asparagus Pasta: A Touch of Elegance, Made Easy!

Yield 3

Author Cooking with Busch

Prep time

15 Min

Cook time

15 Min

Total time

30 Min