Pasta, Peas And Prosciutto
A flavorful pasta dish featuring tender prosciutto, sweet peas, and aromatic shallots, all tossed in a savory cheese sauce—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté chopped shallots and minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Add chopped prosciutto and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce and drained peas to the pan.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and place in a large bowl.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the pasta before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine while sautéing the shallots and garlic. If you don't have prosciutto, pancetta or bacon can be used as substitutes. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, to find your preferred texture. This dish can be paired with a light salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A simple side of garlic bread or a green salad works well with this dish. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with Italian recipes like Mock Italian Meat Balls I or a refreshing dessert like Low-Fat Strawberry Tiramisu to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta, Peas And Prosciutto contains roughly 396 calories, with 12g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 850mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto and replacing it with sautéed mushrooms or extra peas for added texture and flavor. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth can enhance the overall taste without compromising the dish.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While the recipe doesn't specify a pasta type, short pastas like penne or fusilli work well as they hold onto the sauce nicely. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand, including spaghetti or fettuccine, for a different presentation. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make this dish more filling, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp. Additionally, serving it alongside a hearty salad or incorporating more vegetables like spinach or zucchini can increase the nutritional value and satiety of the meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).