Best Easy Fettuccine alla Papalina Recipe

A Roman pasta with prosciutto, peas, and egg in cream sauce — the Pope's fettuccine. This high protein mediterranean dish is a rich family meal with a playful papal backstory.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 590 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • fettuccine 12 oz
  • prosciutto 4 oz
  • fresh or frozen peas 1 cup
  • egg yolks 3 pieces
  • Parmesan cheese 0.75 cup
  • unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • heavy cream 0.75 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • nutmeg 0.25 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 62 g 42%
Protein 25 g 17%
Fat 24 g 41%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    While pasta cooks, melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto and sauté gently for 2–3 minutes until just beginning to crisp.

  3. 3

    Stir in the peas and cook for another 3–4 minutes, letting them soften but not overcook. Season with black pepper and nutmeg.

  4. 4

    In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Set aside for later step.

  5. 5

    Add drained pasta to the skillet with prosciutto and peas. Toss to combine over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

  6. 6

    Remove pan from heat, then quickly fold in the egg–cream mixture, tossing vigorously so the sauce becomes creamy without scrambling the eggs. Use extra pasta water for silky texture.

  7. 7

    Adjust seasoning with salt, and serve immediately—garnished with additional Parmesan and black pepper if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The signature ingredient is prosciutto, which sets Fettuccine alla Papalina apart with its savory depth and tender texture. Combined with peas, egg yolks, and Parmesan, the prosciutto creates a delicately balanced Roman flavor.
Q. How do you prevent the eggs from scrambling in the sauce?
After tossing the drained pasta with prosciutto and peas, remove the pan from heat before adding the egg–cream mixture. Vigorously toss the hot pasta and sauce together, using reserved pasta water to help create a creamy emulsion and prevent curdling.
Q. What heat control is important for the prosciutto?
Sauté the prosciutto gently over medium heat for only 2–3 minutes. Avoid high heat, which can make it chewy or overly crisp. The goal is to infuse flavor into the butter and keep a tender bite.
Q. How many calories and what's the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each 320g serving provides about 590 kcal, with 25g protein (17% of calories) and 62g carbs (42% of calories). This makes it a relatively high-protein dish, suitable for a balanced Mediterranean meal.
Q. Which step ensures the sauce has a silky texture?
After combining pasta, prosciutto, and peas, folding in the egg–cream mixture off heat is essential. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water and tossing vigorously creates a smooth, creamy sauce without clumps.
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