Loading…

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm spears. If asparagus isn’t available, you could substitute with green beans or even zucchini sticks for a different twist.

Prosciutto: This dry-cured ham adds a salty flavor. If you want a lower-salt option, try using turkey bacon or thin slices of pancetta. Both will still give that savory touch.

Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream like coconut cream. This keeps the sauce creamy without the extra calories.

Lemon: Fresh lemon shines in this recipe. If you don’t have it, you can replace it with lemon juice from a bottle, but fresh is always better for taste!

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste!

How Do You Make the Perfect Lemon Cream Sauce?

Making the lemon cream sauce might seem tricky, but it’s quite easy! The key is to stir continuously while it’s cooking to avoid burning.

• Start with medium heat and combine the cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Parmesan in a saucepan.
• Keep stirring for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. You can always adjust the thickness by adding a touch of water or cream if it gets too thick!
• Finishing with chopped chives brightens the sauce and adds freshness. Make sure to stir them in right before serving for the best flavor!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Cream Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Asparagus:

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 6-8 slices prosciutto (about 3 slices per bundle)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Cream Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Optional: lemon wedges for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful dish will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, for a total time of about 25 minutes. Quick and easy, perfect for a busy night or elegant gatherings!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease so the asparagus doesn’t stick.

2. Prepare the Asparagus:

Toss the trimmed asparagus in a bowl with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and pepper. This will give it flavor and help it roast nicely!

3. Wrap with Prosciutto:

Take around 3-4 spears of asparagus and bundle them together. Carefully wrap each bundle with a slice of prosciutto. Make sure to cover the asparagus nicely.

4. Roast the Bundles:

Place your wrapped bundles on the prepared baking sheet. Slide them into your preheated oven and roast for about 12-15 minutes. You want the asparagus to be tender and the prosciutto to be crispy!

5. Make the Lemon Cream Sauce:

While the asparagus is roasting, grab a small saucepan. Over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir this mixture continuously for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. It should get a nice creamy consistency!

6. Add the Chives:

Once your sauce has thickened, take it off the heat and stir in the chopped chives. This will add a lovely burst of freshness!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Time to enjoy your masterpiece! Spread a little lemon cream sauce on a plate, place the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on top, and drizzle some more sauce over it. Garnish with extra chives and lemon wedges if you like.

8. Dig In:

Enjoy this elegant and flavorful appetizer or side dish that perfectly balances the salty prosciutto with the crisp asparagus and zesty lemon cream sauce!

Can I Use Different Vegetables Instead of Asparagus?

Absolutely! You can swap asparagus for other sturdy vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or even bell peppers. Just ensure they’re similar in size, so they cook evenly when wrapped in prosciutto.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp back up or microwave gently, though they may lose some crispiness.

Can I Make the Lemon Cream Sauce in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time! Just keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, reheat gently on low heat, stirring continuously, and adjust with a splash of cream if it thickens too much.

How Can I Make This Dish More Filling?

To make this dish more substantial, consider serving it over a bed of cooked quinoa, couscous, or alongside some crusty bread. It pairs wonderfully with carbohydrates for a satisfying meal!