Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas

Ingredients

• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 12 ounces fettuccine
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 shallot finely chopped (1/4 cup)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas thawed
• 8 slices prosciutto (about 4 ounces total) halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise, about 1 cup
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. 1
   In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, make sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat; add shallot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add cream, peas, and prosciutto; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer until peas are heated through, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. 3
   Stir in lemon zest and juice. Add enough reserved pasta water to thin sauce as desired.
4. 4
   Pour sauce over pasta; add Parmesan, and season generously with salt and pepper. Serve immediately; top with additional Parmesan, if desired.