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Bowtie Pasta with Peas, Prosciutto, and Arugula

A lighter version of bowtie pasta with peas and prosciutto, no cream, but instead tossed with Parmesan, olive oil, and arugula.

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

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Elise Bauer
Published May 03, 2016
Elise Bauer
Bowtie Farfalle Pasta with Peas, Prosciutto, Arugula
Elise Bauer

Do you have a favorite pasta shape? For me it's sort of a toss-up between angel hair and bowties. I love angel hair for the how delicate the pasta is and how easy it is to eat, and bowties because, well, they're so cute.

Is that even a valid reason for liking a pasta shape? They are cute! They make any pasta dish look just a little bit fancy, like the pasta got all dressed up for a show. And each one is a perfect forkful size.

Bowtie pasta, peas prosciutto, arugula
Elise Bauer

For this bowtie pasta dish, I started with a classic—bowties with peas and prosciutto—but ditched the cream sauce that usually accompanies this dish. Instead, I lightened it up a bit by tossing everything with olive oil, black pepper, and Parmesan and added fresh baby arugula for some peppery greens.

Wow! Prosciutto, arugula, peas, parm, pasta, pepper? Perfect! So good together.

Bowtie Farfalle Pasta with Peas, Prosciutto, Arugula
Elise Bauer

It's quick! It takes about as long to cook as it does to bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta. 30 minutes tops. Enjoy!

Bowtie Pasta with Peas, Prosciutto, and Arugula

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 3 to 4 servings
Prep the ingredients while the pasta water is heating to save time.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound (8 ounces) farfalle bowtie pasta
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided, 1 Tbsp and 2 Tbsp)
  • 2 ounces prosciutto, thin slices separated and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 large handful baby arugula (about a cup and a half, packed)
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint leaves

Method

  1. Add pasta to boiling water to cook:

    Put 3 quarts of salted water (1/2 Tbsp of salt for every quart of water) onto a boil. Add the farfalle bowtie pasta and cook until al dente.

    bowtie-pasta-peas-prosciutto-arugula-method-2
    Elise Bauer
  2. Gently cook prosciutto:

    Coat the bottom of a stick-free pan with 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Lay out the pieces of prosciutto in the pan in a single layer. Put the heat on medium and gently cook while the pasta is cooking.

    Turn the pieces over after a few minutes.

    bowtie-pasta-peas-prosciutto-arugula-method-1
    Elise Bauer

    The intension is not to crisp, but to render some of the fat and firm up the prosciutto a little. When this has been accomplished, remove the pan from heat.

  3. Set aside some pasta cooking water, add peas to pasta and cook an additional minute:

    Once the pasta has been cooking for the correct timing for al dente, remove one cup of pasta cooking water from the pan and set aside.

    bowtie-pasta-peas-prosciutto-arugula-method-3
    Elise Bauer

    Add the peas and cook a minute more.

  4. Add pasta, peas, Parmesan, black pepper to prosciutto, then add mint and arugula:

    Strain the pasta and peas and add to the pan with the prosciutto. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Add the black pepper.

    bowtie-pasta-peas-prosciutto-arugula-method-4
    Elise Bauer
    bowtie-pasta-peas-prosciutto-arugula-method-5
    Elise Bauer

    Add 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add the fresh baby arugula and mint and toss with the hot pasta to wilt the arugula.

    Add more of the pasta water if the pasta seems dry.

  5. Drizzle with olive oil:

    Drizzle and toss with 2 Tbsp of olive oil to serve.

Bowtie Pasta with Peas, Prosciutto, Arugula
Elise Bauer