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Creamy Pea and Prosciutto Penne Pasta

creamy pea and prosciutto penne pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring creamy sauce, sweet peas, and salty prosciutto tossed with penne pasta. This comforting dish is simple yet feels a little special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon zest from half a lemon (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, roughly chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 ounces of chopped prosciutto and sauté for 3-4 minutes until crisp and golden around the edges. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the prosciutto to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Lower the heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine with the garlic and prosciutto fat. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in 1 cup thawed peas and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Add the drained penne to the skillet. Toss everything together gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest from half a lemon for brightness. Sprinkle the crisped prosciutto back over the pasta, saving a little for garnish.
  8. Plate the creamy pea and prosciutto penne pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy warm.

Notes

Let the cream simmer gently to avoid curdling. Crisp prosciutto over moderate heat to prevent burning or steaming. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water. Don’t skip lemon zest to balance richness. Reheat leftovers gently on stove with splash of water or cream to avoid sauce separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, pea pasta, prosciutto pasta, penne pasta, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food, quick pasta recipe

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