Description

If you’re craving a luxurious meal without the fuss, Creamy Prosciutto Pasta with Peas and Parmesan is a must-try. This dish combines tender penne, crispy prosciutto, sweet peas, and a rich buttery Parmesan sauce to create a simple yet gourmet meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
1 cup frozen green peas
3 oz prosciutto, sliced into thin strips
4 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon black pepper (ground or freshly cracked)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
⅛ teaspoon salt, or to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta and Peas

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions (about 10-12 minutes) until al dente.
In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, toss in the frozen green peas.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and peas together.

2. Sauté the Prosciutto

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced prosciutto and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly crispy.
Remove the prosciutto from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Butter Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
If the sauce feels thick, stir in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to create a silky texture.
Add black pepper and adjust with salt to taste.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet with the butter sauce.
Sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts, creating a creamy coating.
Use more reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.

5. Add the Prosciutto

Return the crispy prosciutto to the skillet, tossing it with the pasta and sauce.
Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly combined.

6. Serve and Garnish

Divide the pasta into serving bowls or plates.
Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!

Notes

For extra creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the butter sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the prosciutto with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Cheese Alternatives: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can replace Parmesan for a twist in flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired