Ziti with Asparagus Smoked Mozzarella and Prosciutto
Elevate your pasta night with this decadent Ziti with Asparagus, Smoked Mozzarella, and Prosciutto recipe! Perfectly al dente ziti is tossed with tender-crisp asparagus and enveloped in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, then layered with smoky mozzarella and savory strips of prosciutto for an irresistible blend of flavors. Baked to golden perfection, this pasta dish boasts a bubbly, cheesy top that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its balance of creamy, smoky, and salty elements, this recipe is a comforting yet elegant option for family dinners or special occasions. Serve warm for an unforgettable meal that highlights the best of Italian-inspired comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound asparagus
- 8 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces prosciutto
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, trim the tough ends from the asparagus and cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, and continue to cook until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sautéed asparagus, and the prepared cheese sauce. Mix until the pasta and vegetables are well coated.
Cut the smoked mozzarella into small cubes and slice the prosciutto into thin strips.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter. Spread half the pasta mixture in the dish. Scatter half the smoked mozzarella cubes and half the prosciutto strips over the top.
Layer the remaining pasta mixture over the first layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella cubes and prosciutto.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4103 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 232.0 g | 297% | |
| Saturated Fat | 127.5 g | 638% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 697 mg | 232% | |
| Sodium | 7693 mg | 334% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 315.6 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.5 g | 102% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.2 g | ||
| Protein | 181.2 g | 362% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 2879 mg | 221% | |
| Iron | 25.0 mg | 139% | |
| Potassium | 2262 mg | 48% | |
*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.
