Penne with Asparagus, Smoked Mozzarella, and Prosciutto

From "Everyday Italian" by Giada De Laurentiis.

8 oz. dried penne or ziti
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
3 oz. smoked mozzarella, diced (about 1/2 cup)
3 oz. thinly slices prosciutto, cut crosswise into strips
3 Tbsp. fresh basil, thinly sliced

1.  Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.  Add pasta and cook, stirring often, about 5 minutes.   Add asparagus and cook until pasta is tender but firm to the bite.   Drain the pasta and asparagus, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
2.  In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.  Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Add the psata, asparagus, salt and pepper, and the 1 cup of cooking liquid, tossing to coat. 
3.  Remove from heat and add mozzarella, prosciutto, and basil.   Toss to combine.   Season with more salt and pepper to taste.