1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Fettuccine alla Papalina

Classic Italian Comfort

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:10:11 GMT Hearty Main Dishes
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Casey, recipe creator at Cooking with Casey
By Casey

Casey shares simple, delicious recipes and inspiring stories, making cooking fun and accessible for all.

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:10:11 GMT

Read it →
A plate of creamy pasta with bacon, peas, and grated parmesan cheese, served on a white dish with a purple cloth underneath. Pin it
A plate of creamy pasta with bacon, peas, and grated parmesan cheese, served on a white dish with a purple cloth underneath.

Let me share my favorite Fettuccine alla Papalina recipe with you. The way the creamy sauce coats each strand of pasta while smoky ham and sweet peas add bursts of flavor creates pure magic. This elegant Roman dish brings restaurant quality right to your kitchen.

What Makes This Special

I love how this pasta combines rich creaminess with perfect pops of flavor. That balance of Parmesan smoky ham and sweet peas makes every bite memorable. Simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • The Pasta: Long beautiful fettuccine strands.
  • The Proteins: Spec or prosciutto and farm fresh eggs.
  • The Fats: Good olive oil and butter create richness.
  • The Aromatics: Onion and garlic build flavor.
  • The Liquids: White wine and cream make it silky.
  • The Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan is essential.
  • The Color: Sweet green peas brighten everything.

Let's Start Cooking

Begin with pasta:
Cook until almost done save that precious water.
Create magic:
Crisp the ham build the sauce with care.
Bring it together:
Temper eggs add pasta make it creamy.
Final touches:
Peas pepper perfection on a plate.
A creamy pasta dish with fettuccine, peas, and shredded meat, garnished with grated cheese, served in a red skillet.
A creamy pasta dish with fettuccine, peas, and shredded meat, garnished with grated cheese, served in a red skillet.

My Best Tips

Have everything ready before you start things move quickly. That pasta water is liquid gold for the perfect sauce. Take care with those eggs we want silky not scrambled.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. A crisp white wine and light salad balance the richness beautifully.

Keeping It Fresh

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but leftovers keep a few days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to bring back that creamy texture.

Mix It Up

Try adding mushrooms or swapping meats for variety. Make it vegetarian with spinach and artichokes. Each version brings its own delicious twist.

A plate of creamy fettuccine pasta mixed with peas and pieces of ham, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, sits on a patterned tablecloth.
A plate of creamy fettuccine pasta mixed with peas and pieces of ham, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, sits on a patterned tablecloth.

Quick Answers

Serve it fresh for best results. Skip freezing keeps the sauce perfect. No wine? Chicken stock works beautifully too.

Pure Comfort

This pasta celebrates the beauty of Roman cooking. Simple ingredients careful technique and lots of love create something truly special.

Pasta Perfection

Getting that pasta just right makes all the difference. Keep it slightly firm then let it finish in the sauce soaking up all that flavor.

Dinner Party Star

Watch your guests' eyes light up when you serve this beautiful pasta. It's guaranteed to become a favorite request for special occasions.

A close-up of a plate of creamy pasta topped with peas, crispy bacon, and grated cheese.
A close-up of a plate of creamy pasta topped with peas, crispy bacon, and grated cheese.

Conclusion

This creamy pasta dish combines the rich flavors of prosciutto and peas in a luxurious Parmesan sauce, creating a classic Italian comfort meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why temper the eggs?
Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to hot pasta, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce.
Why use frozen peas?
Adding frozen peas at the end prevents overcooking and maintains their bright color and texture.
Can I substitute the prosciutto?
Yes, you can use ham or pancetta, though prosciutto provides the most authentic flavor.
Why reserve pasta water?
Starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce and adjust consistency as needed.
4.70 from 245 votes

Fettuccine alla Papalina

Prep Time:
30 Minutes
Cook Time:
30 Minutes
Total Time:
60 Minutes
Servings:
8
A plate of creamy pasta with bacon, peas, and grated parmesan cheese, served on a white dish with a purple cloth underneath.
Rate recipe Print it Pin it Send it

Rich fettuccine pasta tossed with prosciutto and peas in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. A luxurious Italian classic.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fettuccine.
  • 3 whole eggs.
  • 8 ounces (2 cups) freshly grated Parmesan.
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
  • 12 ounces speck or prosciutto, diced.
  • 1 tablespoon butter.
  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced.
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced.
  • 1/4 cup white wine.
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream.
  • 8 ounces frozen peas.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Instructions

1.

1. Prep Pasta: Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until firm.

2.

2. Mix Cheese: Beat eggs with grated Parmesan, set aside.

3.

3. Cook Meat: Crisp speck in olive oil, remove and set aside.

4.

4. Make Sauce: Cook onions and garlic in butter, add wine and cream.

5.

5. Combine: Add pasta, speck, tempered egg mixture, and peas.

6.

6. Finish: Add pasta water as needed for creamy sauce, season with pepper.

Notes

  1. Have ingredients ready before starting.
  2. Use pasta water to adjust consistency.
  3. Keep peas frozen until use.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or braiser.
  • Pasta pot.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, butter, parmesan).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 565
  • Total Fat: 25.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 53.2 g
  • Protein: 28.5 g