Print

Fresh Pea and Prosciutto Orecchiette Recipe Easy Perfect Spring Pasta with Mint

fresh pea and prosciutto orecchiette - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy spring pasta dish featuring orecchiette with fresh peas, crispy prosciutto, and a fresh pop of mint, delivering vibrant and comforting flavors without heavy cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) orecchiette pasta
  • 2 cups (about 300 g) fresh peas, shelled
  • 4 oz (115 g) prosciutto, thinly sliced and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Zest of one lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Add the fresh peas about 2 minutes before the pasta is done to cook briefly.
  2. Drain the pasta and peas together, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the torn prosciutto pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to crisp around the edges but aren’t dry. Remove prosciutto to a plate lined with paper towels.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  5. Return the pasta and peas to the pan with garlic. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the mixture into a silky sauce.
  6. Stir in the chopped mint leaves, lemon zest, and crisped prosciutto. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook together for another minute to marry flavors.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt it into a creamy coating.
  8. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and a few more mint leaves if desired.

Notes

Keep some pasta water reserved to loosen the sauce for a silky texture. Crisping the prosciutto adds texture and flavor contrast. Use fresh peas for best flavor; if using frozen, blanch briefly. Add mint at the end to preserve its fresh aroma. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water or broth to keep pasta tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: fresh pea pasta, prosciutto pasta, orecchiette recipe, spring pasta, mint pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta dish

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/fresh-pea-and-prosciutto-orecchiette-recipe-easy-perfect-spring-pasta-with-mint/