Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas

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edf_jun06_hyt_pros_pasta.jpg
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4

Prosciutto -- air-dried Italian ham -- combined with peas and Parmesan cheese is a classic pasta topping.

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Ingredients

  • Coarse salt and ground pepper

  • 12 ounces fettuccine

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped (¼ cup)

  • cup heavy cream

  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed

  • 8 slices prosciutto (about 4 ounces total), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise, about 1 cup

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.

  2. Meanwhile, make sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat; add shallot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add cream, peas, and prosciutto; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer until peas are heated through, 3 to 4 minutes.

  3. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Pour sauce over pasta; add Parmesan, and season generously with salt and pepper. Add enough reserved pasta water to thin sauce as desired. Serve immediately; top with additional Parmesan, if desired.

Cook's Notes

Prosciutto is easier to slice when it's cold. Stack slices, and cut crosswise with a sharp knife.

Originally appeared: Everyday Food, June 2006

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