Creamy Prosciutto & Pea Orecchiette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A luxurious pasta dish featuring tender orecchiette in a silky sauce with fresh peas, prosciutto, and a hint of tomato for balanced flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs orecchiette pasta, prosciutto, fresh peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving is portion-balanced and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 3.7 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz orecchiette and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain while reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz finely chopped prosciutto and cook for 2-3 minutes until crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, then stir in 1 diced medium tomato and 1 cup fresh peas. Cook for 3 minutes until peas brighten and tomato softens.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, stirring constantly until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add drained orecchiette, 6 oz crispy prosciutto, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce evenly coats pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Prosciutto & Pea Orecchiette take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Prosciutto & Pea Orecchiette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orecchiette pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Prosciutto & Pea Orecchiette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Prosciutto & Pea Orecchiette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Prosciutto & Pea Orecchiette?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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