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Healthy Prosciutto Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 59 reviews

This Healthy Prosciutto Pasta dish offers a harmonious blend of tender pappardelle pasta and savory prosciutto crisped to perfection, tossed in a creamy sauce infused with garlic, fresh tomatoes, peas, and Italian seasoning. Finished with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese, it’s a delightful meal that balances rich flavors with fresh ingredients for a satisfying yet wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Meat

  • 8 ounces dry pappardelle pasta
  • 3 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup peas (frozen work well)
  • A sprinkle of Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, sliced thinly
  • Salt and pepper, as desired

Optional Toppings

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pappardelle pasta al dente according to package directions, ensuring it remains firm and avoids becoming mushy. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the pasta water for later.
  2. Cook the Prosciutto: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes total, flipping once midway, until the prosciutto crisps slightly but stays tender. Remove and drain the prosciutto on paper towels, leaving the flavorful fat in the skillet.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet fat and sauté for about 30 seconds to release its aroma. Stir in the heavy cream, finely chopped tomato, peas, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Incorporate Prosciutto and Basil: Crumble most of the cooked prosciutto by hand and stir it into the sauce, reserving some for garnish. Add the sliced fresh basil to the sauce to infuse brightness.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Top each portion with the remaining crumbled prosciutto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if using. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a delicious balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Using pappardelle is suggested for its wide shape, but other pasta types like fettuccine or tagliatelle work well.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency afterward for a smoother finish.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less rich.
  • Frozen peas work perfectly; just use them directly without thawing.
  • Adding Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended for extra depth of flavor.

Keywords: Healthy Prosciutto Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Italian Pasta Recipe, Pappardelle with Prosciutto, Easy Pasta Dinner

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/healthy-prosciutto-pasta-recipe/