Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant, flavor-packed pasta dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy – without spending hours in the kitchen. This Pasta with Prosciutto, Peppers, and Herbs is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 35 minutes. Crisp bell peppers, delicate prosciutto, and fragrant fresh herbs create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 oz prosciutto, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until peppers are slightly softened but still retain a slight crunch.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Drain pasta in a colander.
- Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with peppers. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Tear prosciutto into smaller pieces and add to the pasta mixture. Gently fold to distribute evenly and warm the prosciutto.
- Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky sauce that helps ingredients cling to the pasta.
- Don't overcook the peppers - you want them slightly crisp to add texture and freshness to the dish.
- Use high-quality prosciutto and tear it into smaller pieces for even distribution and maximum flavor.
- Fresh herbs are key! Chop them just before adding to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot to enjoy the best texture and taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
