---
title: Palermo Prosciutto & Chicken Penne
source: {name: HelloFresh, url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/palermo-prosciutto-chicken-penne-61cb2d0e96416a73f4200712}
servings: 2
prep_time: 10 minutes
cook_time: 25 minutes
time_required: 35 minutes
difficulty: Medium
allergens: [Wheat, Milk]
tags: [Italian, Pasta, Chicken, Creamy, Weeknight]
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 9500
source_chef: Michelle Doll Olson
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Many rave about the crispy prosciutto and creamy sauce combination
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: Generally easy to make once you get the hang of it
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/palermo-prosciutto-chicken-penne.avif"
---
@garlic{2%cloves}
@parsley{1%bunch}
@lemon{1%unit}
@penne pasta{8%oz}
@prosciutto{4%slices}
@chicken cutlets{8%oz}
@fry seasoning{1%tsp}
@cream sauce base{1%cup}
@cream cheese{2%oz}
@peas{1%cup}
@chili flakes{1%pinch}
@parmesan cheese{2%tbsp}
@olive oil{1%tbsp}
@butter{2%tbsp}

Bring a #large pot{} of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Peel and mince or grate garlic. Pick parsley leaves from stems; roughly chop leaves. Zest and quarter lemon.

Once water is boiling, add penne to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente ~{9-11%minutes}. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto slices in a single layer; sear until browned and crispy ~{2-3%minutes} per side. -- If prosciutto starts to crisp too quickly, reduce heat to medium. Turn off heat; transfer prosciutto to a paper-towel-lined plate. Reserve oil in pan.

Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels and season all over with salt, pepper, and half the fry seasoning. Heat pan with reserved oil over medium-high heat. -- Add an additional drizzle of oil if needed. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through ~{3-5%minutes} per side. Turn off heat; transfer chicken to a cutting board to rest. Wipe out pan.

Heat 2 TBSP butter in pan used for chicken over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant ~{30%seconds}. Add cream sauce base, cream cheese, a big pinch of salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring ~{2-3%minutes} more. Add drained penne and peas. Cook, stirring, until peas are warmed through and sauce has slightly thickened ~{1-2%minutes} more. -- If needed, stir in reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until pasta is coated in a creamy sauce. Stir in half the parsley, a big squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of chili flakes if desired.

Slice chicken crosswise. Divide pasta between bowls. Top with chicken. Crumble prosciutto over top. -- Or crumble half the prosciutto and top the pasta with the remaining larger pieces. Sprinkle with lemon zest, parmesan cheese, remaining parsley, and a pinch of chili flakes to taste. Serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.