Spaghetti With Asparagus, Smoked Mozzarella, and Prosciutto

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Level: Easy

Serves: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2lbs asparagus, trimmed
• 3/4lbs spaghetti
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 6 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, cut crosswise into strips
• 6 oz smoked mozzarella cheese, diced (about 1 cup)
• 6 tbsp thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

Directions:

Cook the asparagus in a large pot of boiling water until crisp tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. With a spider or slotted spoon, remove asparagus from boiling water to a bowl of ice water to cool and stop the cooking. When cool, strain, cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces and set aside.

Return the water in the pot to a boil, adding additional water if necessary. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add the asparagus to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the pasta, and if needed, some of the reserved cooking liquid. Toss to coat. Add the prosciutto, mozzarella, and basil, and toss to combine. Turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.