Pasta with Prosciutto

Pasta with Prosciutto & Spinach

It’s hard to go past a good quick pasta dinner. Especially ones like these where all you need to do is boil the pasta and make an ‘instant sauce’ by stirring the flavourings in at the last minute. Of course, I’ve included a ‘pasta-free’ option in the variation for those of you who prefer to go easy on the carbs or gluten.

enough for: 2
takes: 15 minutes
200g (7oz) pasta
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4-6 slices prosciutto, torn
2 handfuls finely grated parmesan + extra to serve
2-3 handfuls baby spinach leaves

1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to the boil. Add pasta and set your timer as per the recommendations on the pasta packet.

2. When pasta is ‘al dente’ or tender, drain and return to the pot.

3. Add lemon juice and 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil to make your sauce.

4. Add prosciutto, parmesan and baby spinach. Toss to combine. Taste & season.

5. Serve with extra parmesan if needed.

Do Ahead Potential

Will keep for a week or so in the fridge but tastes best when freshly made.

Variations

vegetarian – replace the proscuitto with sliced semi-dried tomatoes.

vegan – replace parmesan with finely grated brazil nuts or almond meal and replace proscuitto with semi dried tomatoes or grilled red peppers.

dairy-free – just skip the cheese or replace parmesan with finely grated brazil nuts or almond meal.

pasta-free – heat a drained can of white beans or chickpeas in a frying pan. Remove from the heat and continue from step 3.

different greens – replace spinach with fresh basil leaves or rocket (arugula).

low carb – replace pasta with roast cauliflower.

carb lovers / more substantial – add extra pasta.

paleo (grain, legume & dairy-free) – replace pasta with roast cauliflower and Parmesan for grated brazil nuts.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

pasta – pantry.

lemons – will keep for months in a plastic bag in the fridge.

prosciutto – should keep for weeks in the fridge if well wrapped. Can be frozen.

parmesan – keeps for months in the fridge. Can be frozen.

baby spinach leaves – use for another meal or freeze (will wilt when defrosted)

Problem Solving Guide

bland – add more parmesan.

dry – drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil and possibly a little more lemon juice.

pasta sticking together – either the pasta hasn’t been stirred enough, especially during the initial few minutes of cooking. Or the pasta is overcooked.

Serving Suggestions

A great quick one bowl meal. Or if feeding people who are a bit afraid of greens – serve with spinach on the side.

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