Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto
Al dente pasta tossed in a luscious lemon butter sauce, paired with crisp prosciutto and fresh peas. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 (zest and juice) lemon
- 1 tbsp (chopped) fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp (chopped) fresh parsley
- 6 slices (thinly sliced) prosciutto
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: In a skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp thyme, 2 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup frozen peas. Toss to combine, then mix in 6 slices prosciutto and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto?
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 Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto 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 Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
