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This affordable penne pasta recipe certainly doesn’t taste like a "budget" meal, but thanks to some very thin slices of prosciutto, it's inexpensive and delicious. Pasta with peas has always been a dinner staple when times are lean. Not only will you save a few dollars, but this easy-to-make pasta recipe is also very nutritious.

Makes 4 Portions of Penne with Peas and Proscuitto

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4-6 thin slices proscuitto (about 1 oz), chopped
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• hot red pepper flakes to taste
• 3 cups fresh shelled peas, or thawed frozen peas
• 1 15-oz can white beans, drained
• 14.5-oz box penne pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, optional

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Preparation

In a large saucepan, sauté the onions and prosciutto in the olive oil over medium heat, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for one minute more. Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, and red pepper, and turn the heat up to high. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Add the peas, beans, and pasta; stir in, reduce heat to medium, and cover the pot.

Cook for 7 minutes covered, turn off heat, and let sit for another 5 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir in the cheese, and ladle into serving bowls.