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Creamy Spring Pea and Prosciutto Orecchiette Pasta

creamy spring pea and prosciutto orecchiette pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring orecchiette, spring peas, and crispy prosciutto in a light cream sauce, perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) orecchiette pasta
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) prosciutto, thinly sliced and roughly chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (225 grams) spring peas, fresh or frozen
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, preferably extra virgin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 4 ounces (115 grams) of chopped prosciutto and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it crisps slightly and releases its fragrance. Be careful not to burn it.
  3. Add 1 small finely chopped shallot and 3 cloves minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Stir in 1 ½ cups (225 grams) of spring peas. If using frozen, no need to thaw first — cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and tender but still bright green.
  5. Pour in ¾ cup (180 ml) of heavy cream. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Add the pasta directly into the sauté pan with the sauce.
  7. Toss the pasta with the sauce and peas. Add reserved pasta water little by little if the sauce feels too thick to loosen it up.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the zest of 1 lemon (optional). Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally finishing with a drizzle of olive oil and extra Parmesan shavings.

Notes

Do not overcook peas to keep their fresh snap. Crisp prosciutto over moderate heat to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. For a smoother sauce, blend half the peas with cream before adding. Variations include vegetarian, dairy-free, low-carb, and spicy options.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, spring peas, prosciutto, orecchiette, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-spring-pea-and-prosciutto-orecchiette-pasta-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/