Ham and Asparagus Pasta

Indulge in the creamy, savory delight of Ham and Asparagus Pasta—a quick and easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal. This dish combines tender fettuccine (or your pasta of choice) with crisp-tender asparagus and smoky diced ham, all enveloped in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. A hint of red pepper flakes adds optional heat, while fresh parsley provides a fragrant finishing touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder balances rich flavors with vibrant veggies, making it an irresistible dinner option. Perfect for lovers of creamy pasta recipes, this dish is a must-try for anyone seeking a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
• 12 ounces asparagus
• 8 ounces ham (diced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 1- to 2-inch pieces.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the asparagus for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to warm through and slightly brown.

Step 6

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

Step 7

Return the cooked asparagus to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.

Step 8

Add the pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 9

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1457 grams (1457.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3210

Total Fat 212.70g	273%
Saturated Fat 112.40g	562%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.50g
Cholesterol 610mg	203%
Sodium 7760mg	337%
Total Carbohydrate 134.50g	49%
Dietary Fiber 13.70g	49%
Total Sugars 11.40g
Protein 166.30g	333%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 2760mg	212%
Iron 12mg	64%
Potassium 1704mg	36%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.4%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 17.3%