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Lumaconi with Prosciutto and Lemon Breadcrumbs

This elegant lumaconi with prosciutto and lemon breadcrumbs is a sophisticated addition to our high protein category, offering a beautiful balance of rich flavours and varied textures. The snail-shell pasta is the perfect vessel for capturing the luxurious, velvet-like cream sauce, which is deeply infused with the savoury, salty notes of crisp prosciutto. Shaved radicchio adds a pleasant bitterness, while the citrus-spiked breadcrumbs provide a bright, crunchy finish that elevates the entire dish.

Ideal for an indulgent weekend supper or a dinner party main, this homemade pasta dish feels truly special without requiring hours of preparation. The secret lies in steeping the cream with aromatics and brandy, creating a complex depth of flavour that pairs beautifully with the fresh flat-leaf parsley. Serve it in warmed shallow bowls with a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

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Ingredients for Lumaconi with Prosciutto and Lemon Breadcrumbs

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 120ml coarse fresh breadcrumbs

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

  • Kosher salt

  • 110g prosciutto, cut into 1/4" pieces

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small shallot, thinly sliced

  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed

  • 40g brandy

  • 2 sprigs thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Zest of 1 lemon, removed in strips with a vegetable peeler

  • 475ml double cream

  • 110g prosciutto, cut into 1/4" pieces

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for serving

  • 350g lumaconi (snail shells) or other medium shell pasta

  • Kosher salt

  • 150g thinly sliced Treviso radicchio

  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Pulse prosciutto in a food processor until finely ground. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook prosciutto, stirring often, until brown and crisp, 5–8 minutes.

Add shallot and garlic to skillet and cook, stirring often, until shallot is soft and garlic is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add brandy and cook until skillet is almost dry, about 30 seconds.

Add thyme, bay leaf, lemon zest, and cream to skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until cream is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl; discard solids.

Do ahead: Prosciutto cream can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook just until golden, about 2 minutes. Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain; let cool.

Discard garlic and transfer breadcrumbs to a medium bowl. Add lemon zest and toss to combine; season with salt.

Do ahead: Breadcrumbs (without lemon zest) can be cooked 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature. Add lemon zest just before serving.

Pulse prosciutto in a food processor until finely ground. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook prosciutto, stirring often, until brown and crisp, 5–8 minutes. Add prosciutto cream to skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until cream is thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 8–10 minutes; drain.

Add pasta to sauce. Cook over medium heat, tossing, until pasta is well coated, about 2 minutes. Add radicchio, parsley, and lemon juice and toss to combine; season with salt.

Serve pasta topped with breadcrumbs and drizzled with more oil.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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