Penne Primavera with Prosciutto and Peas
This vibrant Penne Primavera dish brings together the sweetness of garden-fresh peas and the savory richness of crispy prosciutto, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The creamy sauce, enhanced with chives and freshly grated Parmesan, envelops the pasta beautifully, while juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and freshness. Perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner, this recipe can easily be adapted with frozen peas if fresh ones are unavailable, making it a versatile choice for any season.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
fresh peas
2 cups (add during the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking)
butter
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
prosciutto
1/4 lb (cut into small pieces)
light cream
1/2 cup (for the sauce)
fresh chives
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
cherry tomatoes
1 cup (cut in half)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Add the fresh peas during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and peas, reserving a small cup of pasta water if needed, and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the prosciutto pieces and sauté until they are crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
3
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the light cream, chopped chives, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
4
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried basil to the sauce, stirring gently to combine and heat through.
5
Toss in the drained penne and peas, using tongs or a large fork to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the mixture appears dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
6
Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and serve hot with the remaining Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
20
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penne Primavera with Prosciutto and Peas?
It is a vibrant pasta dish featuring garden-fresh peas, crispy prosciutto, and a creamy Parmesan sauce with cherry tomatoes and chives.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1 lb of penne pasta.
How much prosciutto is needed?
You will need 1/4 lb of prosciutto, cut into small pieces.
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe can easily be adapted with frozen peas if fresh ones are unavailable.
When should I add the peas to the pasta?
Add the fresh peas to the boiling water during the last 3-4 minutes of the pasta's cooking time.
How long do I sauté the prosciutto?
Sauté the prosciutto in butter for about 4-5 minutes until it is crispy and golden brown.
What kind of cream is used for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of light cream to create the sauce.
How much butter is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter to sauté the prosciutto.
What type of cheese is required?
You should use 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
When is the Parmesan cheese added?
Half of the cheese is stirred into the sauce, and the remaining half is sprinkled on top before serving.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be cut in half before being added to the sauce.
What herbs are used in this Penne Primavera?
The dish is seasoned with fresh chives and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserving a small cup of pasta water allows you to add a splash to the dish if the mixture appears too dry.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 6 grams of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 5 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and is designed for a light yet satisfying meal.
What seasoning is added at the end?
The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What temperature should I use to melt the cheese into the sauce?
Reduce the heat to low before stirring in the cream and cheese to ensure the sauce stays creamy.
How do I ensure the pasta is evenly coated?
Use tongs or a large fork to toss the penne and peas thoroughly in the skillet with the sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the recommended preparation for the chives?
The 2 tablespoons of fresh chives should be chopped before being added to the cream sauce.
Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?
While light cream is specified, heavy cream can be used for a richer and thicker sauce.
Should the pasta be cooked in salted water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Is this considered an Italian dish?
Yes, it is categorized under Italian cuisine.
What makes this a 'Spring' dish?
The use of fresh peas, chives, and cherry tomatoes gives it a light, seasonal spring profile.
Can I add other seasonings?
The recipe suggests salt, pepper, and dried basil, but you can adjust these to your preference.
What is the texture of the prosciutto in this dish?
The prosciutto provides a savory richness and a crispy, golden brown texture.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
This Penne Primavera is intended to be served hot immediately after tossing the pasta in the sauce.