Penne with Peas and Prosciutto Chips

In theory, a Costco membership sounds like a great idea. You save money on the things you need in bulk, like paper towels and cheese. If you're lucky, they even have a gas station where you can fill up for less.

HOWEVER, like most things, the reality of the situation is much different. Somehow you get back home after spending >$150, not knowing what it is you really bought. This is how I found myself in possession of 2 lbs. of sugar snap peas and 1 lb. of mixed Italian meats, along with a 12-pack of gum, 1.75 L of Bacardi, and 24 sandwich thins. Of course this is not all I bought, but this partial list should serve to give you an idea of the randomness that was my shopping.

YES I also got platters. They were only $15 and I'm sure you'll see them in a later post.

Fortunately, good things do come to those who Costco (yes, I just made it a verb). Like the other night, when I was craving some pasta like it was my job. I open my fridge, and BOOM the huge bag of snow peas stares me in the face. And BOOM there's a bunch a prosciutto just chilling. So obviously this meant it was time to make Penne with Peas and Prosciutto Chips.

Basil + Prosciutto Chips = how can you go wrong?

Though it sounds decadent, this is actually a really easy recipe to throw together on a weeknight. Making the prosciutto chips is an extra step, but I definitely think it's worth it to add that extra salty bite to the pasta, which is otherwise smooth and rich. And think of all the other possibilities for prosciutto chips, not least of which is eating them like regular chips. Have a gallon of water handy, though.

So next time you find yourself over-Costco'd (yes, it's now an adjective), get creative and get cooking!

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Penne with Peas and Prosciutto Chips
Serves 2

Who'd have thought prosciutto could get much tastier than it already was?

4 slices prosciutto
4 Tbsp. olive oil
3/4 lb. snow peas
10 leaves basil, roughly chopped
1/2 lb. penne pasta
salt and pepper
grated cheese

To make the prosciutto chips: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread out prosciutto slices in a layer. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until crispy. Break into pieces once cool enough to touch.

While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet. Saute the snow peas until bright green, seasoning with salt and pepper. Add in basil, turn heat to low.

When pasta is ready, drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta liquid. Pour the pasta into the pan with the peas and basil, and stir to combine. Add as much of the pasta liquid as necessary (about 1/2 cup) to bring the sauce together. Cook until all the flavors have combined. Serve immediately, garnishing with prosciutto chips and grated cheese to taste.