Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant plate of perfectly cooked penne, where sweet bell peppers, tender peas, and luxurious prosciutto dance together in a symphony of flavors. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a 30-minute culinary escape to the heart of Italy that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a taste of Mediterranean magic, this Penne with Peppers, Peas, and Prosciutto recipe is about to become your new go-to meal!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup peas
- 4 oz prosciutto, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of penne pasta, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup of peas, 4 oz of prosciutto (sliced), 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Next, add the peas to the skillet with the peppers and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peas are heated through.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the peppers and peas. Toss to combine.
- Slice the prosciutto into strips and add it to the skillet, tossing everything together gently. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving.
- Plate the penne with peppers, peas, and prosciutto, garnishing with additional black pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Cook your vegetables just until tender to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
- For extra flavor, consider lightly crisping the prosciutto in the pan before adding other ingredients.
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh ingredients to elevate the dish's overall taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta—aim for al dente, which means "to the tooth" in Italian, ensuring a perfect texture.
- If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 455kcal
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
