Pesto & Prosciutto Pasta
We don't need a special occasion to enjoy something special.
Beyond the Ingredients
Why This Recipe Matters
Pesto & Prosciutto Pasta feels like something we might order at a restaurant or prepare for a special occasion. Ingredients like prosciutto, pesto, olives, and Parmigiano-Reggiano bring distinctive flavors that make the dish feel a little indulgent. Yet there's nothing particularly complicated about preparing it. In about thirty minutes, an ordinary dinner can become something we genuinely look forward to.
It's easy to fall into the habit of saving enjoyable things for special occasions. We put aside something we've been looking forward to, wait for a reason to celebrate, or convince ourselves that we should finish everything else before taking time for something we enjoy.
Over time, we can begin treating our own happiness as something that needs to be earned. We tell ourselves we'll enjoy life more when we've accomplished enough, when our responsibilities are taken care of, or when circumstances are finally better.
But our lives aren't made up entirely of milestones and celebrations. Most of our days are ordinary, filled with responsibilities, routines, and things that need our attention. Those days are still part of our lives, and they deserve more than simply getting through them.
Allowing ourselves something enjoyable doesn't mean ignoring our responsibilities or pretending our difficulties don't exist. It means recognizing that our needs, interests, and happiness matter alongside everything else we're managing.
The Takeaway
We don't have to wait until life feels easier, accomplish something extraordinary, or find a reason to celebrate before allowing ourselves moments that feel good. An ordinary day is already a part of our life worth appreciating.
What You Need
Ingredients
Serves 2 servings
How to Make It
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- 2
Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- 3
While the spaghetti cooks, heat a pan over medium heat.
- 4
Rough-slice the prosciutto into thirds.
- 5
Cut the Monterey Jack into 1/2-inch cubes.
- 6
Add the prosciutto to the hot pan and cook for 1–2 minutes, until it just starts to crisp at the edges.
- 7
Using tongs or a spider, transfer the spaghetti directly from the water to a large mixing bowl — this keeps a little starchy water on the noodles.
- 8
Add the pesto and toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
- 9
Add the olives, Monterey Jack, prosciutto, and Parmigiano-Reggiano and stir everything together.
- 10
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped Italian parsley and serve immediately.
From the Kitchen
Small Things That Matter
Use tongs or a spider to pull the spaghetti from the water rather than draining it — the starchy water that clings to the noodles helps the pesto coat everything more evenly.
For more lemon flavor, add about 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest when you stir in the pesto.
Don't overcook the prosciutto — you want it just starting to crisp, not fully brittle. A minute or two is all it needs.
Toss the pasta with pesto while it's still warm so the sauce absorbs into the noodles rather than sitting on top.
Variations & Additions
Make It Yours
- Swap regular Parmesan for the Parmigiano-Reggiano — it works well and is easier to find.
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of Monterey Jack for a creamier, milder finish.
- Squeeze half a fresh lemon over the completed dish right before serving.
- Add blistered cherry or grape tomatoes for a burst of sweetness against the salt.
- Add shrimp or sliced chicken to make it a heartier meal — cook in the same pan right after the prosciutto.
- Top with a poached egg and break the yoke allowing it to mix with the sauce and become even creamier.
Watch It
Watch It Being Made
Video courtesy of Jacques Pépin Foundation
This video may not follow our recipe exactly. Ingredients, amounts, or steps can differ a little. Use it as a guide to see the techniques in action, and follow the recipe on this page for the details. All videos
Cook with Someone
Cook Together
Share this recipe with a friend or family member, then FaceTime and cook it together in real time.