Garlic Chive Pappardelle al Limone

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Pappardelles' Garlic Chive Pappardelle
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed dried chili pepper flakes
• 2 lemons, zested
• 4 oz. cooked ham, cut into matchsticks
• 2 cups half-and-half
• Sea salt
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and gently fry until golden brown. Add the crushed chili.
2. Cut the ham into matchsticks and add to the garlic. Heat gently, then add lemon zest and cream. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.
3. Cook pasta in 6–8 quarts of boiling salted water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain, but reserve 1/4 cup cooking liquid.
4. In a serving bowl, combine the sauce and drained pasta. Salt to taste and, if the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Serve immediately with Parmesan and a lemon wedge.