Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy fettuccine, where each bite is a perfect harmony of silky sauce, sweet peas, and delicate prosciutto. This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create in your own kitchen in just 20 minutes! Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible Italian-inspired recipe that promises to become your new comfort food obsession.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 oz prosciutto, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, slice prosciutto into thin strips and set aside. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese if using a block.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and bright green.
- Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Fold in the sliced prosciutto, allowing it to warm slightly in the hot pasta.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce. Pre-grated cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- Cook the peas just until they're bright green to maintain their sweet flavor and nutritional value.
- Work quickly when combining the pasta and sauce to prevent the cream from separating or cooling down too much.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce before adding the Parmesan.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream.
- The prosciutto should be added last and just warmed through to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 720kcal
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 120mg
