Silky Paglia e Fieno with Crispy Shallots Recipe – A Rustic Delight

Paglia e fieno, a delightful Italian pasta dish, weaves creamy elegance with rustic charm.

Soft ribbons of green and white noodles dance together in a harmonious blend.

Crispy shallots add a delectable crunch that surprises and delights your palate.

Each forkful promises a journey through subtle textures and rich flavors.

Carefully selected ingredients elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary pasta preparations.

Simple techniques transform humble components into something truly spectacular.

You’ll find this dish perfect for an intimate dinner that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Let’s uncover the magic of this classic Italian comfort food.

Why Paglia e Fieno with Crispy Shallots Stands Out

• Culinary Adventure: Dive into a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines creamy sauce, tender pasta, and crispy shallots for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want to impress without complicated steps.
• Flavor Explosion: Blends rich prosciutto, sweet peas, and a luxurious cream sauce that creates a sophisticated yet comforting taste profile everyone will love.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Comes together in less than 30 minutes, offering a gourmet meal solution for busy families or spontaneous dinner gatherings.

Ingredients to Bring Paglia e Fieno to Life

• Fettuccine: A classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect base for this creamy and flavorful dish.
• Peas: Sweet green vegetables that add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the pasta.
• Prosciutto: Delicate Italian dry-cured ham that brings a rich, salty depth to the sauce.

• Butter, Olive Oil: A classic combination that creates a luxurious and flavorful sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and smooth texture to the pasta sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish.

• Shallots, Flaky Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Provide layers of flavor and texture to elevate the final dish.
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a spicy and aromatic finishing touch.

Cooking Paglia e Fieno with Crispy Shallots Made Simple

Step 1: Create Golden Crispy Shallots

Slice shallots thinly and add to a small saucepan with oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until shallots turn a beautiful golden brown color, which takes about 10 minutes.

Transfer crispy shallots to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. These delightful crunchy bits will be your flavor-packed garnish.

Step 2: Build Luxurious Cream Sauce

Heat a large skillet and melt butter with olive oil. Toss in minced shallots and prosciutto, letting them dance and release their aromatic flavors for 3 minutes.

Pour in cream and allow the mixture to simmer gently, thickening into a silky sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Perfectly Cook Pasta and Peas

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop in fettuccine and cook slightly less than package directions to maintain that perfect al dente texture. Two minutes before pasta is done, add fresh peas to the same boiling water, allowing them to become tender and bright green.

Step 4: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Transfer pasta and peas directly into the cream sauce using a slotted spoon. Add pasta cooking water and cheese, tossing everything together until the sauce beautifully coats each strand.

Let simmer for 2 minutes to ensure everything melds perfectly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Plate the pasta and generously top with additional cheese, those crispy shallots you prepared earlier, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Tips for Perfecting This Pasta Dish

• Cut shallots uniformly to ensure consistent golden-brown color and crispy texture when frying.
• Reserve pasta water to help create a silky, emulsified sauce that perfectly coats the noodles.
• Add frozen peas directly to boiling pasta water to save time and preserve their bright green color and tender texture.
• Maintain medium-low heat when making crispy shallots to prevent burning and achieve a golden, crunchy result.
• Grate cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring to help it melt smoothly into the sauce without clumping.

Variations to Make It Your Own

• Green Veggie Boost: Replace peas with asparagus or zucchini chunks, adding extra nutrition and vibrant color to the classic recipe.
• Mushroom Medley: Swap prosciutto with sautéed wild mushrooms like porcini or shiitake for an earthy vegetarian version.
• Seafood Fusion: Incorporate fresh shrimp or crab meat instead of prosciutto, creating a luxurious coastal-inspired pasta dish.
• Spicy Mediterranean: Add red pepper flakes and chopped sundried tomatoes to introduce a warm, tangy flavor profile to the original recipe.

Pairing Suggestions to Complete the Meal

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Italian Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to complement the creamy, salty prosciutto sauce and cut through its richness.
• Create Textural Contrast: Serve alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the rich pasta dish.
• Match Herb Companions: Add a side of warm, crusty sourdough bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh thyme to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the meal's flavor profile.
• Sparkling Beverage Option: Pair with a chilled Italian sparkling water like San Pellegrino or a light Prosecco to cleanse the palate between bites and add a refreshing element to the dining experience.

Best Storage Methods for Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces, as they might separate.

Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking, heating until steaming hot.

FAQs

• What are the key flavor-boosting ingredients in this dish?

Prosciutto, cream, and crispy shallots create deep, rich layers of flavor that elevate the classic pasta recipe.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Use pancetta instead of prosciutto, and regular onions can replace shallots if needed. Just adjust cooking times slightly to maintain similar textures.

• How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking or becoming grainy?

Keep the heat at medium-low and stir consistently. Adding cheese and pasta water gradually helps maintain a smooth, silky sauce consistency.

• Why is cooking pasta less than package instructions important?

Finishing pasta in the sauce allows it to absorb flavors and reach perfect al dente texture, preventing overcooking and ensuring each strand is perfectly seasoned.

Paglia E Fieno With Crispy Shallots Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky paglia e fieno pasta dances with crispy shallots in this Italian classic, blending delicate flavors and textures. Creamy sauce and golden-brown shallots create a sophisticated dish that invites you to savor each luxurious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

Pasta:

• 0.5 pound (226 grams) dried egg fettuccine
• 0.5 pound (226 grams) dried spinach fettuccine

Main Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (142 grams) cubed prosciutto
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
• 1 cup (145 grams) fresh or frozen peas (thawed if frozen)

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Crispy Shallots:

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) neutral oil (vegetable or avocado)
• Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft crispy shallots by gently frying sliced shallots in oil over medium-low heat for approximately 10 minutes until achieving a rich golden hue. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with flaky sea salt.
2. Prepare sauce in a large skillet by melting butter and olive oil together. Introduce minced shallots and prosciutto, sautéing for 3 minutes. Pour cream into the mixture, stirring and allowing it to simmer until slightly thickened, around 5 minutes.
3. Simultaneously, bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine approximately 2 minutes less than package recommendations to maintain al dente texture. Add green peas during the final 2 minutes of pasta cooking.
4. Transfer pasta and peas directly into the sauce using a spider strainer or slotted spoon. Incorporate pasta cooking water and grated cheese, tossing carefully to ensure complete coating. Allow mixture to simmer for 2 minutes, helping sauce reach desired consistency and pasta achieve perfect tenderness.
5. Plate the dish by garnishing with additional cheese, strategically placed crispy shallots, and a generous sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while piping hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Precision matters when frying shallots, so watch closely and stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve an even golden color.
• Use room temperature cream to help the sauce blend smoothly and prevent potential curdling when mixing with hot ingredients.
• Choose high-quality prosciutto for deeper flavor complexity, preferably thinly sliced and cut into small pieces for even distribution.
• Gluten-free version works perfectly by substituting regular fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour, maintaining the dish’s authentic texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 259
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 209 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg