Cheese Tortelleni with Asparagus Tips and Ham

For a pasta that is supposedly inspired by “a navel viewed through a peephole“, tortellini never fails to deliver for my family. It has graced my table in many forms but mostly with cream, as in this tortellini with asparagus and ham recipe. Aside from its versatility, this pasta has the added bonus of fitting well within a busy mom’s daily juggle of chores as preparation can be wrapped up in less than 20 minutes.

Makes 4 Servings

16 oz cheese tortelleni, frozen
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup asparagus tips
1/2 cup ham slivers
2 to 3 tbsps mozzarella
1 tbsp parmesan, grated or shredded
salt and pepper

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Add asparagus tips during the last 30 seconds of cooking.
Drain tortellini and asparagus. Return to sauce pot.
Pour in heavy cream and ham. Stir well to completely heat through, around 2 to 3 minutes.
Add in mozzarella. Continue to stir until cheese is melted and cream sauce slightly thickens, around 1 to 2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot topped with parmesan cheese.

TIPS:
1) Do not overcook pasta during the initial preparation as it will continue to cook when the cream base is added. I used ham slivers to decrease amount of time required to heat through.