This Prosciutto Pasta Toss is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. The salty prosciutto, tender pasta, and fresh arugula create a balanced and satisfying dish. A light, garlicky olive oil sauce ties everything together with a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing finish. This pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, offering a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 4 oz. prosciutto, thinly sliced and cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups arugula
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the Prosciutto: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Add Arugula and Lemon: Add the arugula, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together until the arugula wilts slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with crispy prosciutto and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This recipe is easy to customize—try adding more vegetables or swapping the arugula for spinach for a different twist!
