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Tagliatelle with Prosciutto and Orange

This elegant tagliatelle with prosciutto and orange offers a sophisticated twist on classic Italian flavours. The saltiness of the cured ham provides a delicious contrast to the bright, citrusy notes of the fresh orange juice and zest. It is a wonderfully aromatic dish that feels indulgent yet remains light enough for a spring or summer evening, creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to every ribbon of egg pasta.

As a high-protein meal, this recipe is as nourishing as it is flavourful, making it an excellent choice for a quick midweek dinner or an impressive weekend lunch. The addition of fresh Parmesan adds a savoury depth that balances the cream perfectly. Serve it immediately in warmed bowls with a final scatter of zest for a professional finish.

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Ingredients for Tagliatelle with Prosciutto and Orange

  • 350g egg tagliatelle or fettuccine (preferably fresh)

  • 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

  • 60g thinly sliced prosciutto, torn into 1" pieces

  • Zest and juice of 1 orange

  • 120ml double cream

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 40g finely grated Parmesan

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until 1 minute before al dente, about 2 minutes for fresh pasta, longer for dried. Drain, reserving 60ml pasta water.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto; sauté until browned, about 3 minutes.

Add reserved pasta water, orange juice, half of zest, and cream; bring to a boil. Add pasta; cook, stirring, until sauce coats pasta and pasta is al dente, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheese and divide among warm bowls.

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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