Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas

By Belinda

Prosciutto is easier to slice when it's cold. Stack slices, and cut crosswise with a sharp knife.

Ingredients

• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 12 ounces fettuccine
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 shallot, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
• 8 slices prosciutto (about 4 ounces total), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise, about 1 cup
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1.In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.
2.Meanwhile, make sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat; add shallot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add cream, peas, and prosciutto; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer until peas are heated through, 3 to 4 minutes.
3.Stir in lemon zest and juice. Pour sauce over pasta; add Parmesan, and season generously with salt and pepper. Add enough reserved pasta water to thin sauce as desired. Serve immediately; top with additional Parmesan, if desired.