Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple yet elegant pasta dish with tender asparagus, salty prosciutto, and a rich parmesan-butter sauce, finished with a touch of lemon zest. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs whole wheat pasta, thinly sliced prosciutto, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add 8 oz whole wheat pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Add 4 slices thinly sliced prosciutto and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy. Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole wheat pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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