Sunday, 05 April 2009

• Fast Food: Ziti with Asparagus, Smoked Mozzarella and Prosciutto

  

  This ziti with asparagus, smoked mozzarella and prosciutto is a meal we had earlier in the week (on a weekday) and I wished we could have repeated on Sunday instead (I try to let at least one week pass before we repeat a meal).  It's literally FAST FOOD:  minimal prep, easy ingredients, but worthy of a nice glass of wine.  Probably my new favorite weekday meal that's also worthy of being pulled out on a weekend.
  
  The recipe was so easy, it seemed ridiculous to take pictures of the process, so I didn't.  Chop up some ingredients, boil some pasta, and put it all together.  Done.

  
  Ziti with Asparagus, Smoked Mozzarella and Prosciutto from Giada De Laurentis
  (note: linked recipe calls for spaghetti, Giada uses ziti in her book, and halves the recipe... I think it's better with ziti!  Also, the recipe directions vary in the linked version... the version I have below is from her book, and much easier!)
  
  Serves 2 with a little bit of leftovers

  • 1 pounds asparagus, chopped to 1 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1/2 box ziti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut crosswise into strips
  • 3 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

  Directions:
  

  • Following the directions on package, cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water. 2 minutes before the ziti is done, add chopped asparagus to the pasta and water.  When ziti is done, drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
  • Add asparagus and pasta to the skillet. If needed, add some of the reserved cooking liquid. (I used almost all of it.) 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. 

  Next time if we're drinking white wine with this meal, I'd consider using white wine in lieu of the pasta water to give the dish some "wetness".  Mmm.

  How long does it usually take you to make dinner? What's your favorite quick and easy dinner recipe?

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