Ingredients
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 pound egg tagliatelle
  • 3 tablespoons EVOO Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large shallots, chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 pound mild ham, cut into 1/8-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup thawed frozen or blanched fresh peas
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
  • Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for tossing and topping
Preparation

Bring a pot of water to a boil; salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

While the pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat the EVOO, 3 turns of the pan, over medium heat. Add the butter and melt until foaming. Add the shallots and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add the ham and cook until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.

Stir the wine into the ham mixture and cook, swirling, to reduce by half. Stir in the cream and season with nutmeg. Stir in the peas and tarragon. Remove the sauce from the heat.

Add the drained pasta and some cheese to the sauce. Toss to coat, stirring in the reserved cooking water to thin the consistency, if desired. Season with salt and pepper, and top with more cheese.