Capellini with Ham and Asparagus
Delight in the fresh, vibrant flavors of Capellini with Ham and Asparagus, a quick and elegant pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. This recipe combines delicate capellini, crisp-tender asparagus, and savory slices of cooked ham, all brought together with the rich essence of garlic and a hint of zesty lemon. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this light yet satisfying meal is ready in just 25 minutes, making it a go-to option for flavor-packed convenience. Whether you're seeking a spring-inspired dinner or a creative way to elevate everyday ingredients, this dish delivers on taste and ease. Perfect as a main course, it pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine and a side salad for a complete, restaurant-worthy experience.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams capellini (angel hair pasta)
- 200 grams asparagus
- 150 grams ham (thinly sliced, cooked)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 50 grams parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the capellini and cook according to the package instructions (typically 4-5 minutes) until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, wash and trim the woody ends from the asparagus. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the asparagus for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still crisp.
Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic to the empty side. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced ham to the skillet and gently toss with the asparagus and garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm the ham through.
Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the asparagus and ham. Toss everything together, gradually adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
Stir in the lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
Serve the pasta immediately, topped with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1250 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.6 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.6 g | 93% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 126 mg | 42% | |
| Sodium | 3903 mg | 170% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 91.9 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 75.3 g | 151% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 655 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1066 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
