Indulge your taste buds with a delightful Italian classic: Tagliolini with Asparagus, Prosciutto, and Cream! This vibrant dish combines the tender elegance of fresh asparagus, the savory richness of prosciutto, and a luscious cream sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of tagliolini. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal at home, this recipe promises to impress. With just 25 minutes of your time, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your dining experience? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g tagliolini
- 200g asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 100g prosciutto, sliced
- 200ml heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming off the tough woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch diagonal pieces, separating the tender tips from the stems.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus stems and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the asparagus tips to the skillet and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Meanwhile, drop the tagliolini into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes for fresh pasta, until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, add the sliced prosciutto to the asparagus skillet and briefly warm through, about 1 minute.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the asparagus and prosciutto. Reduce heat to low and allow the cream to simmer gently, creating a light sauce.
- Reserve a small cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the tagliolini when it reaches al dente.
- Add the cooked tagliolini directly to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a final crack of black pepper.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select fresh asparagus and high-quality prosciutto. The freshness of the asparagus will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Perfect Pasta Cooking: When boiling the tagliolini, ensure the water is well-salted. This is your opportunity to season the pasta itself, making every bite flavorful.
- Timing is Key: Keep an eye on the cooking times for both the pasta and the asparagus. The goal is to have everything ready at the same time for a seamless finish.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the cream sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess. This will also help the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the grated Parmesan! A generous sprinkle not only adds flavor but also a beautiful finishing touch to your dish.
- Serve Immediately: Tagliolini is best enjoyed fresh. Serve the dish as soon as it’s ready to ensure the pasta remains perfectly al dente and the sauce is warm and creamy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg
