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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto

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A quick and easy pasta dish combining creamy ricotta, bright lemon, sweet peas, and salty prosciutto for a comforting yet fresh meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
  • 1 cup (240g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice and 1 tablespoon zest)
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 4 ounces (115g) prosciutto, thinly sliced and roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 ounces chopped prosciutto and cook until slightly crisp, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add 1 cup ricotta cheese, lemon juice and zest, and ½ cup grated Parmesan to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Slowly add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce to desired creaminess.
  6. Stir in 1 cup thawed peas, then add drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
  7. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Remove from heat and let pasta rest for a minute to thicken the sauce slightly.
  9. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is best. Add pasta water gradually to loosen sauce. Cook prosciutto until just crisp but not burnt. Add lemon zest at the end for maximum brightness. Taste and season gradually to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, peas, prosciutto, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe-with-peas-and-prosciutto-easy-and-delicious/