FETTUCCINE WITH HAM AND ASPARAGUS

Fettuccine with Ham and Asparagus image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories dinner, easy, lunch, quick, pastas, salads and dressings, appetizer, main course

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds fresh asparagus
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3/4 pound dry fettuccine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup diced, boiled ham (about 1/3 pound)
4 ripe plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1/4 pound soft goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves or Italian parsley
Grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese to taste

Steps:

Scrape and trim the asparagus; discard the tough ends. Slice the spears on the bias into 1-inch lengths.
In a kettle or large saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add salt and the fettuccine. Boil gently for 9 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and add the asparagus, ham, tomatoes and garlic. Cook, stirring, over medium heat for 3 minutes. Do not overcook. Add the drained fettuccine, goat cheese, cream, basil leaves, the reserved water and salt and pepper to taste. Toss well over medium heat until blended well. Serve immediately with grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese on the side.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 615, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 75 grams, Fat 24 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 27 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 890 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams