Spaghetti with asparagus, smoked mozzarella and prosciutto

1) Cook the asparagus in a large pan of boiling salted water until crisp tender, about two to three minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the asparagus from the boiling water to a bowl of ice water to cool and stop the cooking. When cool, strain, cut asparagus into 2cm pieces, and set aside.

2) Return the water in the pot to the boil, adding additional water, if necessary. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; tender but still firm to the bite, about eight minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 240ml of the cooking liquid.

3) Heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add the asparagus to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

4) 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. Check the seasoning again, and serve.