Let’s Talk About This Creamy Bowtie Pasta 🍝✨
You guys… this pasta dish is peak comfort food energy. It’s creamy, cheesy, a little salty from the crispy prosciutto, and totally satisfying thanks to the bowtie pasta (aka farfalle). Oh, and we’re tossing in sweet peas for a pop of freshness and color! This is the kind of dish that looks like it took effort—but it’s done in 30 minutes flat. YES PLEASE.
I whipped this up one night when I was staring at an almost-empty fridge and somehow managed to create magic from pantry staples and a lonely pack of prosciutto. You know those kinds of dinners? Minimal effort, max flavor. Let’s break it down.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto
- ✅ Quick & easy: 30 minutes start to finish.
- ✅ Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find.
- ✅ Cozy + satisfying: Creamy sauce, salty prosciutto, sweet peas. A perfect bite.
- ✅ Impressive yet low-effort: Looks gourmet, but you barely did anything 😉
Ingredients You’ll Need 📝
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy creamy bowtie pasta:
- 1/2 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Any short pasta will work, but bowties are so cute and perfect here.
- 6 slices prosciutto – We’re crisping it up for texture and salty richness.
- 3 tbsp butter – For richness and to build the base of our sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Flavor foundation!
- 1 cup heavy cream – Makes everything luscious and silky.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas – Adds color and a little sweetness to balance the saltiness.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan – The flavor punch! Plus it helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder – Pantry staples for seasoning.
- Olive oil – Just a dash to crisp up the prosciutto.
- Reserved pasta water – A little starchy liquid gold to bring the sauce together.
How to Make Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto
1. Cook Your Pasta 🍜
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cook your bowtie pasta until al dente. Make sure to save 1 cup of the pasta water before draining!
2. Crisp Up That Prosciutto
Heat a dash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Tear or cut the prosciutto into bite-sized pieces and cook until crispy on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in your minced garlic and cook for a minute or two until it smells amazing. Now pour in the heavy cream, stir it up, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Season & Cheese It Up 🧀
Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then stir in the Parmesan cheese—it should melt beautifully into the sauce.
5. Add Pasta, Peas & Prosciutto
Time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta, frozen peas (they’ll warm up in the sauce), and the crispy prosciutto (chopped into pieces). Stir gently to coat everything in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
6. Finish with Pasta Water
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. It helps everything cling to the pasta like a creamy hug.
7. Top & Serve
Dish it up and top with extra Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper. You’re done!
Keira’s Tips for Pasta Perfection 💁♀️
- Don’t skip the pasta water: It’s starchy and helps emulsify your sauce, making it cling to the pasta perfectly.
- Use fresh Parmesan: The pre-grated kind doesn’t melt as well.
- Crisp prosciutto gently: It cooks fast, and you don’t want it burnt—just golden and crispy.
- Add greens if you want: Spinach or arugula would be fab stirred in at the end for a veggie boost.
What to Serve with This Pasta
This dish is rich and creamy, so it pairs great with:
- A fresh lemony arugula salad
- Some crusty garlic bread (duh!)
- A glass of chilled white wine if you’re feeling fancy 🍷
Leftovers & Storage
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare over here 😋), here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to life.
- Freezing: Not ideal, as cream sauces can split, but it can work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts ❤️
Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto is one of those meals that feels a little special but takes zero extra effort. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or even low-key date nights. The combo of crispy prosciutto, sweet peas, and luscious creamy sauce is just chef’s kiss.
Trust me—you’re gonna want to keep this one in your weekly rotation. Let me know if you make it! Tag me on Instagram @KeiraRecipes so I can see your beautiful bowls of pasta 💕