Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto and Arugula Pesto
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistibly vibrant Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto and Arugula Pesto! This recipe combines tender pasta with a bold, peppery arugula pesto enriched by Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and a splash of fresh lemon juice for a bright, nutty flavor. Crispy, golden shards of prosciutto add a salty crunch, perfectly contrasting the creamy pesto coating every strand of pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick yet gourmet dish is ideal for busy nights when you still crave something elegant and satisfying. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal from the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for lovers of Italian-inspired cuisine, this recipe is a must-try for pasta enthusiasts and fans of fresh, vibrant flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- 6 Prosciutto slices
- 4 cups Fresh arugula
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts, toasted
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 cup Water from pasta cooking
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the crispy prosciutto. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the prosciutto slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until crispy, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
In a food processor, combine the arugula, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few times to chop the ingredients.
With the food processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In the same skillet used for the prosciutto, add the cooked pasta and arugula pesto. Toss to coat, adding a few spoonfuls of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Crumble the crispy prosciutto into smaller pieces and sprinkle over the pasta just before serving.
Divide the pasta among plates and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2399 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 184.4 g | 236% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.4 g | 192% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 160 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 5677 mg | 247% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 116.2 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 84.9 g | 170% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 641 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1580 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
