Pasta with Asparagus and Speck

Pasta with Asparagus and Speck or Pasta con Asparagi e Speck is a delectable dish that marries the earthy flavors of asparagus with the smoky richness of speck, a cured and lightly smoked ham. Hailing from the northern regions of Italy, where asparagus is celebrated during its season, this pasta dish showcases the versatility of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The combination of tender asparagus spears, savory speck, and a touch of cream creates a harmonious symphony of flavors. Pasta con Asparagi e Speck exemplifies the Italian approach to celebrating regional produce and transforming it into a delightful and satisfying meal.

Difficulty

  • Easy

Wine Pairings

  • Not Available

Servings For :

  • 4 People

Timing

  • Approximately 30 minutes of preparation and cooking

Cost

  • Moderate

Italy Region

  • Not Available

Calories

  • Not Available

Ingredients

  • 400g (about 14 oz) of your favorite pasta (such as fettuccine or tagliatelle)
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 150g (about 5 oz) of speck, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring until it becomes fragrant.
  4. Add the thinly sliced speck to the skillet, cooking until it becomes slightly crispy.
  5. Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet, sautéing until they are tender yet still vibrant green.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to create a creamy sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the creamy asparagus and speck sauce.
  9. If needed, add a ladle of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
  10. Serve Pasta con Asparagi e Speck hot, garnished with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
  11. Enjoy this delightful pasta dish that captures the essence of northern Italian cuisine, where seasonal ingredients shine in a perfect blend of flavors.

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