Parmesan Ziti with Peas and Prosciutto 🍝🥓

This creamy and savory dish combines the delightful flavors of ziti, fresh peas, and crispy prosciutto, all topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It's a perfect quick weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to whip up. Serve it alongside a light salad for a complete dinner! 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 4 oz prosciutto, chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

• Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. About 2 minutes before it's done, add the peas to the pot. Drain and set aside.

🔥 Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. It will help create a creamy sauce later!

• Sauté the prosciutto: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped prosciutto and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

🥓 For extra flavor, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the oil while cooking the prosciutto.

• Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

🧄 Avoid overcooking the garlic; burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish’s flavor.

• Combine: Gradually stir in the reserved Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

• Finish the dish: Add the cooked ziti and peas to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the crispy prosciutto, reserving a bit for garnish.

🍽️ For an extra touch of flavor, squeeze a little lemon juice over the pasta just before serving!

• Serve: Plate the ziti and sprinkle with additional Parmesan and the reserved prosciutto. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the prosciutto and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for depth of flavor. 🍄
• Protein-packed: Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp along with the pasta for added protein. 🍤🍗
• Zucchini noodles: Substitute half the pasta with spiralized zucchini or other vegetables for a lighter, veggie-packed dish. 🥒
• Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or stir in some chopped jalapeños for a little kick! 🌶️

Enjoy the creamy goodness of this Parmesan Ziti with Peas and Prosciutto—a dish your family will love! 🍽❤️