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This harmonious combination of al dente pasta and crisp green asparagus, coated in a silky cream sauce, brings the taste of spring to your plate. The crispy fried ham and savory Parmesan cheese give the dish a special touch.
In my kitchen, this dish is the first herald of spring. The combination of tender asparagus and creamy sauce delights anew each time.
Carefully Selected Ingredients
- Green asparagus: Fresh, crisp spears
- Pasta: Long varieties for optimal sauce binding
- Heavy cream: For velvety consistency
- Ham: Finely diced for crispy texture
- Parmesan: Freshly grated for intense flavor
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Detailed Preparation
- Asparagus Preparation:
- Remove woody ends. Peel the lower third. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Blanch until crisp-tender.
- Pasta Preparation:
- Heavily salt the water. Cook pasta al dente. Reserve cooking water. Observe optimal timing.
- Sauce Production:
- Fry ham until crispy. Gently roast garlic. Reduce cream. Season to creamy perfection.
- Final Assembly:
- Combine components. Incorporate Parmesan. Check consistency. Serve immediately.
In my family, this dish is the epitome of spring's arrival. Especially the combination of crisp asparagus and creamy sauce makes it irresistible.
Perfect Accompaniments
Serve the asparagus pasta with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped herbs. A glass of dry white wine harmonizes perfectly with the spring flavors. For additional freshness, a small arugula salad is suitable. A piece of crispy ciabatta optimally soaks up the creamy sauce.
Creative Variations
The basic version can be wonderfully modified. Smoked salmon instead of ham makes the dish more elegant. Fried shrimp provide a Mediterranean flair. A vegetarian version with roasted pine nuts is equally convincing. For lovers of Asian cuisine, sesame and soy sauce also fit well.
Optimal Storage
The dish tastes best when served fresh. Leftovers keep refrigerated for one day. When reheating, add some cream or pasta water. The sauce becomes thicker when standing but can be easily thinned.
Time-Saving Preparation
Asparagus can be cleaned in advance. Dice ham beforehand. Press garlic in advance. This organization makes preparation even faster. Timing is crucial for the perfect bite.
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Healthy Adaptations
The sauce can be prepared with light cream. Whole wheat pasta increases the fiber content. Additional vegetables make the dish even more nutritious. These variations make the dish lighter.
After many years of experience with asparagus dishes, this version has proven to be the perfect balance between effort and flavor. The combination of crisp asparagus, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this dish a spring highlight. I find it particularly fascinating how few, but high-quality ingredients result in such a flavorful dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use white asparagus?
- Yes, but the cooking time increases and it must be completely peeled. Green asparagus is ideal here.
- → Which pasta works best?
- Spaghetti, fusilli or penne - all short or long pasta types work well with the creamy sauce.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
- Yes, omit the ham or replace it with sautéed mushrooms for a savory flavor.
- → Why add pasta water to the sauce?
- The starchy water makes the sauce creamier and helps it adhere better to the pasta.
- → Can I replace the cream?
- Yes, lighter cream (7%) or milk with some starch also work. The sauce will then be less creamy.