Craving a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together in no time? Look no further than our delicious Recipe for Ham and Asparagus Pasta. This dish combines the savory richness of ham with the freshness of asparagus, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a delightful way to add some variety to your weeknight dinner rotation or impress guests with a simple yet elegant meal.
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup diced ham
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Prepare the Ingredients:** While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook until it starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
3. **Add the Asparagus:** Add the asparagus to the skillet with the ham. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and slightly tender.
4. **Combine Flavors:** Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
5. **Finish the Sauce:** Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. **Bring It All Together:** Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. **Season and Serve:** Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy this Ham and Asparagus Pasta hot, straight from the skillet to your plate. The combination of the salty ham, tender asparagus, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta is sure to please your taste buds and bring a touch of sophistication to your table. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or as a special treat for a cozy dinner at home.
