Creamy Prosciutto Pasta with Burrata and Lemon: An Irresistible Italian-Inspired Dish
If you adore a rich, creamy pasta dish that feels both indulgent and surprisingly simple to make, then this Prosciutto Pasta is an absolute must-try. Each forkful is a symphony of flavors and textures, with delicately flavored pasta infused with parmesan, bright lemon, and aromatic garlic, crowned with salty, crispy prosciutto and dollops of luxurious, creamy burrata. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming a classic concept into something truly unforgettable. It’s destined to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.
This prosciutto pasta draws inspiration from the timeless Italian classic, Carbonara. Carbonara, with its silky egg and cheese sauce, is celebrated worldwide for its comforting richness. While many traditional recipes rely solely on guanciale or pancetta, our version elevates this satisfying creamy goodness to a whole new level by incorporating crispy, salty prosciutto and the unparalleled creaminess of fresh burrata.
For me, this dish defines ultimate comfort food. It’s an incredibly easy pasta recipe to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something special without the fuss. Yet, it’s equally perfect as an elegant date night meal or a sophisticated dish for entertaining guests. The secret to its decadent creaminess lies in the combination of egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese, which forms a more traditional and authentic sauce compared to using heavy cream. The addition of fresh lemon zest and juice provides a much-needed zing, balancing the richness and brightening all the flavors beautifully.
Imagine having a delicious and satisfying meal ready in less than 30 minutes – a dish that the entire family, or your dinner guests, will truly indulge in. This creamy prosciutto pasta offers just that: speed, flavor, and elegance all in one bowl. To complete the meal, I love pairing this Carbonara-style prosciutto pasta with a fresh, vibrant salad such as this Arugula Salad with Capers, Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, or this Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing. The crisp, zesty greens provide a perfect counterpoint to the pasta’s richness.
If you’re a fan of prosciutto, you might also enjoy exploring other recipes that highlight this incredible cured meat. Don’t miss out on trying this Prosciutto Arugula Pizza for a gourmet pizza night, or this delightful Pasta with Peas, Favas, and Prosciutto for another spring-inspired pasta creation.
Why You Will Love This Prosciutto Burrata Pasta
- Effortlessly Easy to Make – There’s minimal active cooking involved in this delightful recipe, making it incredibly simple to bring together. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Exquisite and Harmonious Flavors – This dish is a celebration of perfectly balanced flavors. The combination of creamy burrata cheese melting into a rich, savory sauce, and the irresistible crunch and saltiness of crispy prosciutto creates a symphony for your palate. The bright, zesty notes from fresh lemon cut through the richness, ensuring every bite is flavorful and never heavy. It’s pure comfort in one delicious pasta dish, brought to life by a simple yet effective sauce.
- Impressively Elegant Meal – Whether you’re planning a romantic date night at home, preparing a special holiday dinner, or hosting a sophisticated dinner party, this prosciutto pasta is an ideal choice. Its presentation is beautiful, and the flavors are complex enough to seem like it took hours to prepare, yet it’s surprisingly easy. It truly feels like a gourmet, restaurant-worthy recipe that will undoubtedly impress your guests.
Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need For Creamy Prosciutto Pasta
- OLIVE OIL: A good quality extra virgin olive oil provides a foundational flavor and is used to cook the prosciutto, adding a subtle richness.
- PROSCIUTTO: The star of the show! Thinly sliced prosciutto, baked until perfectly crispy, offers a delightful salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.
- EGG YOLKS: These form the luscious, emulsified base of our Carbonara-style sauce, providing an incredibly creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.
- PARMESAN CHEESE: Finely grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty, and umami depth to the sauce, helping it emulsify and cling to the pasta. Always opt for freshly grated for the best flavor.
- GARLIC: Minced garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic warmth, a cornerstone of Italian-inspired cuisine.
- LEMON: Both the zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice are crucial. The zest adds bright, fragrant notes, while the juice provides a tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness and enhances all the other flavors.
- PASTA: Any long pasta shape like spaghetti, fettuccine, or bucatini works wonderfully, as its surface area allows the creamy sauce to adhere perfectly.
- BURRATA: This fresh Italian cheese, with its creamy, soft interior, is added at the end, melting slightly into the warm pasta and offering pockets of pure indulgence.
- SALT AND PEPPER: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and the finished dish to perfection.
- FRESH BASIL (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic finish.
- CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKES (optional for garnish): For those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes offers a pleasant warmth.
- RESERVED PASTA WATER: This starchy water is an absolute game-changer, essential for achieving the perfect creamy, emulsified sauce.
How to Make Creamy Prosciutto Pasta
Follow these simple steps to create a truly irresistible prosciutto pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds:
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients & Crispy Prosciutto: Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process – this is called “mise en place.” Then, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet and arrange the thin slices of prosciutto in a single layer. Baking the prosciutto is key to achieving that wonderfully crispy, salty texture that elevates the dish.
Step 2: Bake Prosciutto & Cook Pasta: Place the baking sheet with prosciutto into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 7 minutes, or until the prosciutto turns beautifully golden brown and crispy. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on it during this stage, as prosciutto can go from perfectly crisp to burnt very quickly due to its thinness. While the prosciutto bakes, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is al dente – tender with a slight bite.
Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce Base: While your pasta is bubbling away, prepare the rich sauce base. In a small, heatproof bowl, vigorously beat together the egg yolks, finely grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and the fragrant zest of one lemon. Continue to beat until the mixture starts to thicken and resembles a thick, aromatic paste. This paste is the heart of your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Bring the Pasta to Life with the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is perfectly cooked al dente, quickly drain it, but be sure to reserve ½ to ¾ cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This starchy water is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce. Slowly pour the hot reserved cooking water into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously and quickly. The hot water will gently temper the egg yolks, preventing them from scrambling and instead creating a beautiful, creamy consistency. Once combined, immediately pour this creamy sauce over the drained pasta and toss vigorously to ensure every strand is coated. The residual heat from the pasta will continue to cook the eggs just enough to create that luscious texture.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish: Divide the creamy prosciutto pasta into individual serving bowls. Top generously with the torn pieces of crispy prosciutto, allowing its salty crunch to contrast with the soft pasta. Add generous dollops of creamy burrata, which will begin to melt into the warm pasta, creating pockets of rich, milky goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be added if you desire a slight heat. Serve immediately and enjoy every luxurious bite!
Ways to Modify This Creamy Prosciutto Pasta
- Make it Gluten-Free: Easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs by simply swapping out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative. The creamy sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious dish.
- Boost with Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and add more texture by incorporating extra vegetables. You could sauté thinly sliced zucchini or cherry tomatoes until tender before adding them to the pasta. Alternatively, add broccoli florets or chopped asparagus to the boiling pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking. Sliced mushrooms can also be roasted alongside the prosciutto for added earthy flavor.
- Cheese Substitutions: If burrata is unavailable, you can achieve a similar creamy effect by shredding fresh mozzarella over the hot pasta, allowing it to melt. Ricotta cheese or even a creamy goat cheese could also offer delightful variations in flavor and texture.
- Fresh Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs always elevate a pasta dish. Besides basil, consider adding chopped fresh parsley for a bright, peppery note, chives for a mild oniony flavor, or a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an aromatic depth. Add them just before serving to preserve their vibrancy.
- Add Nuts and Seeds: For an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor, consider topping your pasta with toasted nuts or seeds. Pine nuts are a classic Italian choice, but walnuts, pistachios, thinly sliced almonds, or even toasted pumpkin seeds would be delicious additions. Lightly toast them in a dry pan until fragrant before sprinkling.
- Other Cheese Options: Beyond burrata and parmesan, experiment with other cheeses. Fresh mozzarella adds a mild, milky stretch, while crumbled goat cheese provides a tangy creaminess. A mild provolone or even a smoked scamorza could offer interesting flavor profiles.
- Introduce More Spices: Tailor the flavor profile to your liking with additional spices. A pinch of Italian seasoning can deepen the traditional notes, while red pepper flakes will add a warming heat. A touch of dried oregano or basil, gently warmed in the olive oil, can also enhance the aromatic complexity.
- Alternate Protein Options: While prosciutto is fantastic, you can explore other proteins. Sautéed Italian sausage (mild or spicy) crumbled into the pasta adds heartiness. Pan-seared shrimp or flaked salmon would make it a wonderful seafood pasta. Even crispy pancetta or bacon could substitute for prosciutto if needed.
Recipe Notes and Tips for Success
- Emulsification is Key: The success of this creamy sauce hinges on the proper emulsification of the egg mixture with the hot pasta water. It is absolutely critical to stir or whisk the sauce/paste into the hot pasta as quickly and continuously as possible. The residual heat from the pasta and the hot water will gently cook the egg yolks, creating a velvety sauce. If you don’t stir quickly enough, there’s a risk the eggs could curdle, resulting in a less smooth texture.
- Watch the Prosciutto Closely: Prosciutto is very thin and can burn easily, much quicker than bacon or pancetta. While we suggest around 7 minutes in the oven, cooking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the prosciutto. Begin checking it at 5 minutes and remove it as soon as it’s golden brown and crispy.
- Temper the Eggs Correctly: When adding the hot pasta water to the egg mixture, pour it in slowly while continuously and vigorously beating. This process, known as tempering, gradually raises the temperature of the egg yolks, preventing them from scrambling and instead creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- The Magic of Lemon Zest: Don’t skip the lemon zest! It imparts a bright, fresh, and zesty flavor that is incredibly good and acts as a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and egg yolks. It really lifts the entire dish.
- Perfect Wine Pairing: For an elevated dining experience, pair this exquisite pasta with a nice glass of chilled white wine. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light and dry Pinot Grigio, or even a sparkling Prosecco would complement the flavors beautifully and make you feel as though you’re enjoying a fancy European vacation.
- Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), ensure they cool down to room temperature before storing. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce over time, making it slightly thicker.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of reserved pasta water, vegetable broth, or even a little milk to loosen up the pasta and sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir well as it heats.
- Choose the Right Pasta Shape: Long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or bucatini are ideal for this dish as they provide ample surface area for the creamy sauce to cling to. However, short, tubular pastas like rigatoni or penne can also work, capturing the sauce within their shapes.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: As with many Italian-inspired dishes, the quality of your ingredients makes a significant difference. Use good quality Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible) and fresh burrata for the best flavor and texture.
More Pasta Recipes
Beef
One Skillet Cheesy Hamburger Pasta
Beef
One Skillet Beef Taco Pasta
Chicken
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Pork
Spicy Sausage Pasta
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Prosciutto Pasta
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Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 ounces prosciutto
- 2 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 pound pasta
- 8 ounces burrata
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200°C). Grease a baking pan and lay the prosciutto in a single layer. Bake for 7 minutes or until crispy. Keep an eye because it burns fairly easily. Prepare the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water.
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While the pasta is cooking, in a small bowl beat together the egg yolks with the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and lemon zest. You’ll probably end up with a thick paste. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain and reserve ½ to ¾ Cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.
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Slowly pour the hot reserved cooking water over the egg mixture, beating quickly and continuously. The mix should become creamy and emulsified. Immediately pour this sauce over the hot, drained pasta and toss to combine thoroughly.
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Serve the pasta in bowls and top with the torn crispy prosciutto and creamy burrata. Garnish with fresh basil and optionally, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to beat quickly when making the sauce to temper the egg yolks properly. You don’t want the hot water to cook the egg yolks into scrambled eggs.
- The prosciutto can burn somewhat quickly, so it’s a really good idea to keep a close eye on it while baking it. Remove it from the oven as soon as it’s crispy.
- I love to serve this pasta with some fresh basil for an added layer of freshness and color.
- The lemon zest gives it a bright, zesty flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and egg.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.