Ham & Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Butter
Ingredients
- 12 ouncespasta (any shape)
- 1 poundasparagus
- 6 ouncesham (sliced thick-cut deli ham)
- 3 tablespoonbutter
- 1lemon
- 2 clovesgarlic
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ½ cupparmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Prep
- 01
Mince 2 garlic cloves.
- 02
Grate 0.5 cup parmesan cheese.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until 2 minutes before al dente.
- 02
While the pasta cooks, trim the woody ends from the asparagus (snap them at their natural break point). Cut the ham into bite-sized strips.
- 03
When the pasta is almost done, add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes, until tender-crisp. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 04
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Add the ham strips and cook for 1 minute to warm through.
- 06
Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and toss, adding pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is silky (you likely won't need all of it).
- 07
Remove from heat, stir in the parmesan, and season with black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the melting butter for gentle heat, or finish with fresh mint or tarragon for herbaceous brightness.
Substitute diced prosciutto or bacon if you prefer a smokier flavor. For extra richness, finish with a tablespoon of heavy cream stirred in at the end.