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Creamy Spring Pea and Prosciutto Orecchiette

creamy spring pea and prosciutto orecchiette - featured image
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A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring orecchiette pasta with a creamy lemony sauce, sweet spring peas, and savory prosciutto. This comforting yet fresh dish balances creamy, salty, and citrusy flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) orecchiette pasta
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) prosciutto, thinly sliced and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (225 grams) frozen spring peas
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of orecchiette and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add 4 ounces (115 grams) chopped prosciutto and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crisp but not burnt.
  3. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  4. Toss in 1 ½ cups (225 grams) frozen peas and stir for 2 minutes until warmed through.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add 3 tablespoons (45 grams) softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and melt the butter without boiling. Let the sauce thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the zest of 1 lemon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or torn basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Toss pasta gently to keep orecchiette cups intact. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with vegan alternative. For gluten-free, use gluten-free orecchiette or similar pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pea, prosciutto, orecchiette, creamy pasta, lemon zest, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/creamy-spring-pea-and-prosciutto-orecchiette-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner/