Easy Pasta With Crispy Prosciutto

How about pasta for dinner? With this easy 6-ingredient pasta with crispy prosciutto, you’ll have a delicious family meal ready in just 20 minutes. The salty crunch of crispy prosciutto pairs perfectly with tender pasta, and I guarantee this simple recipe will have everyone at the table as happy as Larry 😉

I love cooking pasta recipes for dinner! Easy dishes like quick creamy pesto pasta, creamy bow tie salad, or pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes are always a hit, leaving plates empty at the end of dinner. That’s why adding this penne with crispy prosciutto to your weekly routine is an absolute must. With its delicious crunch, it’s not only quick to prepare but also sure to become a new family favorite! Perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Easy to make: This crispy prosciutto pasta recipe is simple, with only a few steps.
• Budget-friendly: While prosciutto can be pricey, the other ingredients are very budget-friendly, making this recipe great for a family dinner.
• Kid-approved: Kids love the crispy prosciutto! Crispy and salty, it tastes just like chips.
• Perfect for busy weeknights: Bake the prosciutto, cook the pasta, and mix it all together. That’s pretty much all you have to do!
• Make-ahead and meal prep-friendly: This prosciutto pasta recipe makes a great make-ahead meal, especially in the summertime. It tastes great cold and is perfect for lunch or even as a lunchbox idea. You can also serve it as a pasta salad with prosciutto for a summer potluck.

📝 Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

• Pasta: Use any pasta you like! I chose penne because it makes a great pasta dish, but farfalle, rigatoni, or conchiglie also work well. And if you’re following a gluten-free diet, make sure to pick a gluten-free pasta variety.
• Prosciutto: Italian Parma ham from the Parma region is ideal for this dish. It pairs beautifully with parmesan cheese and the sweetness of balsamic vinegar. Spanish serrano ham is also a great option and often more budget-friendly.
• Arugula leaves: Use baby arugula leaves for a milder taste that many children find quite appealing.
• Balsamic vinegar: Choose a high-quality balsamic vinegar. Although it can be a bit more expensive, you only need a small amount, and it goes a long way.
• Parmesan cheese: Grana Padano is a good alternative if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients 👇

How To Make Crispy Prosciutto

Making crispy prosciutto is extremely easy and only takes a couple of minutes.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to high and switch to the broiler setting.
2. Arrange the Prosciutto: Place the slices of prosciutto on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake: Bake the prosciutto for a couple of minutes until it darkens slightly and becomes crisp. Take the tray out and set it aside to cool.

Repeat: You will need to repeat the process with the remaining slices of ham, ensuring each slice is laid out in a single layer.

How To Make Pasta With Crispy Prosciutto

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.

Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the crispy prosciutto, wash and dry the arugula, and grate the parmesan cheese.

Step 3: In a small jar, mix the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Add arugula, half of the parmesan, half of the crispy prosciutto, and the balsamic vinegar dressing. Mix well.

Serve: Plate the pasta in shallow bowls and top with a little more parmesan and crispy prosciutto. Enjoy!