Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine: A Springtime Delight

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to celebrate fresh, seasonal flavors! What better way to do that than with a vibrant and delicious pasta dish? This Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine is the perfect embodiment of springtime, combining the savory goodness of ham with the delicate sweetness of asparagus, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s quick, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, or even a light lunch. The ingredients are readily available, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your own preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to swap out the ham for pancetta or prosciutto, add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms, or use a different type of pasta altogether.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple and Quick:** This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Seasonal Flavors:** Asparagus is at its peak in the spring, providing a fresh and vibrant flavor that complements the richness of the ham.
* **Creamy and Delicious:** The creamy sauce coats the fettuccine perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different meats, vegetables, and pasta shapes.
* **Family-Friendly:** A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **1 pound fettuccine pasta:** You can use fresh or dried fettuccine. If using fresh, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the shallots and garlic.
* **2 shallots, finely chopped:** Shallots add a delicate onion flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute with 1/2 cup of finely chopped yellow onion.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
* **1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces:** Choose asparagus spears that are firm and bright green. Trim off the tough ends before cutting into pieces.
* **8 ounces cooked ham, diced:** Use your favorite type of ham. Smoked ham adds a particularly nice flavor.
* **1 cup heavy cream:** Heavy cream creates a rich and luxurious sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less thick.
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley:** Parsley adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season the sauce to your liking.
* **Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes:** For a touch of heat.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine.

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
* Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
* Drain the pasta and set aside.

**Why reserve pasta water?** Pasta water is starchy and helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta. It’s a secret ingredient that elevates any pasta dish!

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

* While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped shallots and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
* Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Cook the Asparagus and Ham**

* Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the diced ham and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

**Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce**

* Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

**Step 5: Combine Everything**

* Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the cream sauce, asparagus, and ham.
* Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine immediately.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as peas, mushrooms, or spinach. Add them to the skillet along with the asparagus.
* **Use Different Meat:** Instead of ham, you can use pancetta, prosciutto, or even cooked chicken or shrimp.
* **Try Different Pasta:** While fettuccine is the classic choice for this dish, you can also use other types of pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne.
* **Make it Lighter:** For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
* **Add Lemon Zest:** A little lemon zest adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free fettuccine pasta.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the ham and add more vegetables or a vegetarian protein source like tofu or tempeh.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs perfectly with this pasta dish.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Garlic Bread:** Adds an extra layer of flavor.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little milk or cream if needed to thin out the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams

## Conclusion

This Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for springtime. It’s versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking! You’ll be enjoying a taste of spring in no time.

Enjoy this delightful pasta dish and let us know in the comments below how it turned out for you! Share your own variations and tips – we’d love to hear them!

## Recipe Card

**Creamy Ham and Asparagus Fettuccine**

A springtime delight combining savory ham and sweet asparagus in a creamy Parmesan sauce.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound fettuccine pasta
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 shallots, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
* 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Cook the asparagus and ham: Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced ham and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Combine everything: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the cream sauce, asparagus, and ham. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. Serve and enjoy! Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

**Notes:**

* Add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms.
* Substitute ham with pancetta or prosciutto.
* Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

Enjoy!