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Creamy Pea and Prosciutto Pasta

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A quick and easy 30-minute pasta dish featuring a luscious creamy sauce with sweet peas and salty prosciutto, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (penne or farfalle recommended)
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) prosciutto, thinly sliced and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas, thawed
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 ounces (115 grams) torn prosciutto pieces and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to crisp slightly and release their savory aroma.
  3. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until fragrant.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low, then pour in ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream. Stir and let it warm gently, about 2 minutes. The cream will start to thicken slightly—keep an eye to prevent boiling.
  5. Add 1 cup (150 grams) thawed frozen peas to the cream mixture. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until peas are heated through and tender but still vibrant.
  6. Drain the pasta, reserving about ¼ cup (60 ml) of the pasta cooking water.
  7. Add the pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy pea and prosciutto sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a subtle lift, squeeze in 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Cook cream gently on medium-low heat to avoid curdling. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based cream. Gluten-free pasta can be used for gluten-free diets. Add a splash of white wine before cream for extra flavor if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, pea pasta, prosciutto pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, 30-minute meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-pea-and-prosciutto-pasta-recipe-easy-30-minute-meal/