This creamy pasta dish brings together tender chicken, crispy prosciutto and sweet peas in a luscious Parmesan sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that feels special enough for a dinner party but is easy enough for a weeknight.
The combination of textures-from the al dente pasta to the crunchy prosciutto-makes every bite interesting. A touch of lemon zest and chili flakes brightens the dish, while freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty finish.
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Recipe details
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Peel and mince or grate garlic. Pick parsley leaves from stems; roughly chop leaves. Zest and quarter lemon.
- Once water is boiling, add penne to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto slices in a single layer; sear until browned and crispy, 2-3 minutes per side. If prosciutto starts to crisp too quickly, reduce heat to medium. Turn off heat; transfer prosciutto to a paper-towel-lined plate. Reserve oil in pan.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with half the Fry Seasoning, salt and pepper. Heat pan with reserved oil over medium-high heat. Add an additional drizzle of oil if pan seems dry. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes per side. Turn off heat; transfer chicken to a cutting board to rest. Wipe out pan.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add cream sauce base, cream cheese, a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until combined, 2-3 minutes more. Add drained penne and peas. Cook, stirring, until peas are warmed through and sauce has thickened slightly, 1-2 minutes. If needed, stir in reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until pasta is coated in a creamy sauce. Stir in half the parsley, a big squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of chili flakes if desired.
- Slice chicken crosswise. Divide pasta between bowls. Top with chicken. Crumble prosciutto over top. Grate Parmesan over pasta. Sprinkle with lemon zest, remaining parsley and a pinch of chili flakes to taste. Serve with any remaining lemon wedges on the side.
Recipe Tips
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded.
Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
FAQ
Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute with any pasta you like. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh. However, you can prep ingredients in advance and cook just before serving.
What can I use instead of prosciutto?
You can substitute prosciutto with bacon or pancetta for a similar salty, crispy element.






























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