Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta
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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 4 slices, thinly sliced prosciutto
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
