Ever dreamt of serving a dish so effortlessly elegant, so deceptively simple, that your dinner guests (or just your cat, let's be real) might actually applaud? Good news, that dream just got plated.
You see, we're not just talking about any pasta dish here. We’re discussing a culinary masterpiece that screams "I know what I'm doing in the kitchen!" while secretly whispering "I spent less time on this than I did scrolling through TikTok." Imagine tender, perfectly al dente fettuccine lounging in a sauce so silky, it probably sleeps on satin sheets. Now, picture that luxurious landscape dotted with perfectly crisp, savoury prosciutto – those tiny, salty bacon bits of joy – and vibrant, fresh asparagus, adding a pop of green sophistication and a whisper of summertime.
This recipe is the ultimate culinary con artist. It looks incredibly gourmet, tastes incredibly gourmet, but requires the skill level of someone who can successfully boil water without calling 911. You'll be basking in compliments, knowing full well you just followed a few ridiculously simple steps.
This isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It’s the kind of dish you serve when you want to impress your significant other, convince your friends you're not solely reliant on takeout, or simply treat yourself to a weekday dinner that feels like a fancy Italian restaurant decided to deliver straight to your sofa (without the awkward small talk or the bill).
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time; 20 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
500g dried fettucine
250g asparagus
salt
pepper
45g non-salted butter
100g finely chopped onion
125g prosciutto, cut into thin strips
250ml double cream
60g grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Trim and peel the lower green portions of the aparagus. Cook whole in salted boiling water in a sauté pan until tender.
2. Reserve 120ml of the water and cut the asparagus, when cool enough to handle, into 2cm lengths.
3. Pour 4 litres of water into a large saucepan and place over a high heat.
4. Melt the butter in a sauté pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it softens and turns a rich golden colour. Stir in the prosciutto and sauté until it has lost its raw colour.
5. Add the asparagus, raise the heat to medium-high and cook until it is lightly coloured. Pour the reserved water in and cook until it is lightly coloured. Pour the reserved water in and cook until it has evaporated.
6. Stir in the cream and cook until it has reducedby half. Remove from the heat and set aside.
7. When the water for the pasta is boiling and the sauce is off heat, add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water and drop in the pasta all at once, stirring well.
8. When the pasta is cooked al dente, drain and toss with the sauce, adding the grated cheese and some fresh pepper. Serve at once.
So, whether you’re aiming for a romantic dinner that says "I put thought into this," a sophisticated weeknight treat that screams "I'm an adult now!", or simply crave a burst of refined flavour without the culinary gymnastics, this Fettuccine with Prosciutto & Asparagus recipe is your golden ticket. It’s elegant, balanced, and promises to impress both your palate and anyone lucky enough to be at your table.
Now, stop drooling on your keyboard and let’s get cooking! Your inner gourmet guru is begging to be unleashed.