Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb Testùn Ciuc pasta
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking asparagus and prosciutto
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Testùn Ciuc pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the prosciutto to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until crispy.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the asparagus and prosciutto. Toss to combine.
6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and enough reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Toss to combine.
7. Serve hot and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 550
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Testùn Ciuc pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta such as penne or fusilli.
- Asparagus can be substituted with broccoli or green beans.
- Prosciutto can be substituted with bacon or pancetta.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Use a different type of pasta such as spaghetti or linguine.
- Add a splash of white wine to the skillet before adding the pasta for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Reserve some of the pasta water before draining to use for the sauce.
- Don't overcook the asparagus, it should be tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Use a good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and black pepper on top.
Garnishes:
- Additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If the pasta is too dry, add more olive oil or butter.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta and asparagus to the proper temperature to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Testùn Ciuc is a type of pasta that originates from the Piedmont region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory and slightly salty from the prosciutto, with a creamy and cheesy sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a dinner party.
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Region: Italian