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Fresh Spring Pea and Lemon Pasta Recipe with Crispy Prosciutto

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A bright and fresh pasta dish featuring sweet spring peas, zesty lemon, and crispy prosciutto, tossed in a silky butter and parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick, light, and flavorful spring meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, farfalle, or orecchiette)
  • 1 ½ cups shelled fresh or frozen peas (if frozen, thaw before cooking)
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 6 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into strips
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: handful of chopped fresh mint or basil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. During the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add fresh peas to the boiling water to keep them bright and tender.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto strips and cook until crisp and golden, about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain.
  4. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, toss in minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add drained peas to the skillet, stirring for about 2 minutes to warm through. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Drain pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with peas and garlic-butter mixture. Toss to combine, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and half the parmesan cheese.
  7. Slowly add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring to create a light, silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Adjust amount of water depending on desired sauce consistency.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in crispy prosciutto and optional chopped herbs.
  9. Plate pasta and sprinkle remaining parmesan over each serving. Drizzle with a little olive oil for a glossy finish.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce without cream. Crisp prosciutto over medium heat to avoid bitterness. Use fresh lemon zest and juice gradually to balance brightness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring pasta, lemon pasta, pea pasta, crispy prosciutto, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, fresh spring recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/fresh-spring-pea-and-lemon-pasta-recipe-with-crispy-prosciutto-easy-and-perfect-for-spring/