Pasta With Lemon Cream And Prosciutto
A vibrant pasta dish featuring creamy lemon sauce, sweet peas, and fragrant mint, topped with prosciutto for a delightful blend of flavors perfect for a sophisticated yet comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced shallots and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and simmer over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 2 minutes.
- Add whipping cream, grated lemon peel, grated orange peel, and cayenne pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Add thawed green peas and simmer just until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in fresh mint leaves and lemon juice.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce to coat evenly.
- Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
- Drape prosciutto slices atop the pasta and serve, passing Parmesan separately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the whipping cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs like basil or chives can replace mint for a different flavor profile. If you don't have shallots, use finely chopped onions. Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference, or omit it altogether for a milder dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a light side salad, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the cream. For a heartier meal, pair it with garlic bread. Consider passing freshly grated Parmesan at the table, which adds a lovely flavor. This pasta also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, making it versatile for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring until warmed through. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Lemon Cream And Prosciutto contains roughly 290 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (12% 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 use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or farfalle, will work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the substitute pasta shape.
What can I use instead of prosciutto?
If you prefer a different meat, thinly sliced pancetta or cooked bacon can be excellent alternatives. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to add additional flavor and texture to the dish.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, do so without the prosciutto. Store the sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of liquid if necessary.
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).