Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine

Name: Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 300 g fettuccine (uncooked); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 1 clove garlic (minced); 200 g ham (diced); 200 g asparagus (trimmed and cut into 5 cm pieces); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

35 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Delight in a creamy, comforting dish of fettuccine with ham and fresh asparagus that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Ham and asparagus fettuccine is a delightful dish that combines the smoothness of a creamy sauce with the saltiness of ham and the freshness of asparagus. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a quick yet delicious meal to create on a busy weeknight. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way the ingredients complement each other. The creaminess of the sauce is balanced by the crispness of the asparagus and the savoury notes of the ham. It's a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy to pull together in under an hour, making it ideal for families or anyone wanting to impress guests with minimal effort.

Instructions

Cook the fettuccine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Prepare the asparagus

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Pro tip: Asparagus should be bright green and slightly firm.

Cook the ham

Add the diced ham to the skillet with the asparagus. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the ham is heated through.

Pro tip: Use pre-cooked ham to save time.

Make the sauce

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

Pro tip: Do not let the cream boil as it can curdle.

Add cheese and season

Reduce the heat to low and mix in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning as needed.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, using reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Pro tip: Ensure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh asparagus for the best flavour and texture.
Cook the pasta until just al dente for the perfect bite.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in ham and asparagus fettuccine?

Each serving of ham and asparagus fettuccine contains approximately 650 calories.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.

How long does it take to cook asparagus?

Asparagus takes about 3-4 minutes to become tender-crisp when sautéed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter as a substitute for heavy cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead but combine and reheat just before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy ham and asparagus fettuccine with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the dish, enhancing the flavours of the asparagus and ham. This dish can be prepared ahead by cooking the pasta and prepping the ingredients, but it's best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently over the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive its creamy texture.

Nutrition per serving

650

Calories

24g

Protein

32g

Fat

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