Spaghetti with Asparagus and Ham
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this luscious Spaghetti with Asparagus and Ham, a perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. This recipe combines tender al dente spaghetti with vibrant, crisp asparagus and savory bites of diced ham, all coated in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. A hint of garlic, zesty lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add layers of flavor and freshness, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta dish is ideal for busy evenings yet chic enough for entertaining guests. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Perfect for pasta lovers, this recipe is your new go-to for delicious comfort food with a gourmet twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 250 grams asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 150 grams cooked ham, diced
- 120 milliliters heavy cream
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- as needed for boiling pasta water
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
While the water is heating, trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the stalks into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm).
Once the water is boiling, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the diced ham to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the asparagus pieces to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Stir in the lemon zest and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Divide the spaghetti among serving plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
464 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.6 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.0 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 71 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 1177 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.9 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 20.3 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 207 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 302 mg | 6% | |
*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.
