Homemade Paglia e Fieno with Crispy Shallots: Pasta Paradise

Paglia e Fieno, a classic Italian pasta dish, celebrates the harmonious blend of green and white noodles dancing on a plate.

The name translates to “straw and hay” in English, reflecting the pasta’s distinctive color combination.

Creamy sauces and delicate ingredients typically elevate this elegant culinary creation from a simple meal to a gourmet experience.

Sophisticated home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate the visual and flavor complexity of this traditional recipe.

Italian cuisine shines through in the carefully selected ingredients and thoughtful preparation of this charming pasta dish.

Regional variations and personal touches make Paglia e Fieno a versatile and beloved staple in many Italian kitchens.

Helpful Tricks For Paglia E Fieno With Crispy Shallots

• Slice Shallots Evenly: Use a sharp knife to cut shallots into uniform, thin slices for consistent, golden-brown crispy texture.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-low heat while frying shallots to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden color.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some pasta cooking water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Timing is Key: Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions to ensure a perfectly al dente texture when finishing in the sauce.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheese gradually and off the heat to prevent clumping and create a creamy, smooth sauce consistency.

Keeping Paglia E Fieno With Crispy Shallots Fresh And Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping sauce and pasta together to prevent drying out.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Microwave Option: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• Avoid Freezing: Skip freezing this cream-based pasta dish as dairy sauces tend to separate and lose texture when thawed.

What Works With Paglia E Fieno With Crispy Shallots

• Elevate Wine Harmony: Select a crisp, medium-bodied Italian white like Soave or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy sauce and balances the prosciutto's saltiness.
• Craft Herb-Infused Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to cut through the pasta's richness and provide fresh contrast.
• Match Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the creamy sauce, adding textural variety and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Brighten with Sparkling Aperitif: Kick off the meal with a refreshing Prosecco or sparkling water with a hint of lemon, cleansing the palate and setting a festive tone.

Try A Twist On Paglia E Fieno With Crispy Shallots

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace prosciutto with sautéed mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for a hearty, meat-free version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities while preserving the dish's creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the luxurious cream sauce and crispy shallot elements intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheese, creating a plant-based sauce that still delivers smooth, satisfying taste and consistent richness.

FAQs About Paglia E Fieno With Crispy Shallots

• What is Paglia e Fieno?

A traditional Italian pasta dish featuring two-colored pasta (green and white) that translates to “straw and hay” in English, representing the different pasta colors. The classic recipe typically includes cream, cheese, and ham.

• Why use prosciutto in this recipe?

Prosciutto adds a rich, salty flavor that elevates the creamy sauce and provides depth to the overall taste profile. It brings a sophisticated Italian touch to the dish and complements the delicate cream sauce perfectly.

• Can I substitute the pasta if I don't have fettuccine?

Yes, you can use other long pasta varieties like linguine or tagliatelle. These similar pasta types will work well with the creamy sauce and maintain the traditional Italian cooking style.

• How do crispy shallots improve the dish?

Crispy shallots add a crunchy texture and sweet, caramelized flavor that contrasts with the creamy sauce. They provide a wonderful textural element and enhance the overall taste complexity of the pasta.

What You’ll Love About Paglia E Fieno With Crispy Shallots

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform a simple pasta dish into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Restaurant-Style Technique: Master professional cooking methods like crispy shallot preparation and perfectly coated pasta in just 30 minutes.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and guests with a sophisticated Italian pasta that appeals to both adults and picky eaters, combining creamy sauce, crispy texture, and classic ingredients.

Paglia E Fieno With Crispy Shallots Ingredient List

• Fettuccine: Classic Italian pasta for a creamy, elegant dish.
• Peas: Sweet green vegetable adding color and freshness to the plate.

• Prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: Salty, rich flavor enhancers with traditional Italian character.

• Butter, Olive Oil, Heavy Cream: Creamy base creating luxurious sauce texture with rich Mediterranean flavors.
• Shallots, Flaky Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic and seasoning components for depth and balance.

• Crispy Shallots: Crunchy, golden topping providing textural contrast and nutty flavor notes.

• Pasta Cooking Water: Starchy liquid helping sauce adhere to pasta and create silky consistency.

How To Make Paglia E Fieno With Crispy Shallots

Step 1: Create Golden Shallot Crisps

• In a small saucepan, combine sliced shallots and oil
• Heat at medium-low temperature
• Stir occasionally until shallots turn deep golden brown
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer shallots to a paper towel-lined plate
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt
• Set aside for final garnish

Step 2: Build Luxurious Sauce Base

• Select a large skillet and place over medium heat
• Melt butter and olive oil together
• Add finely chopped shallots and diced prosciutto
• Cook until ingredients become fragrant
• Pour cream into the skillet
• Stir and allow sauce to simmer and slightly thicken

Step 3: Prepare Pasta and Vegetables

• Fill a large pot with water
• Add salt and bring to a rolling boil
• Drop fettuccine into boiling water
• Cook 2 minutes less than package recommendation
• Add green peas during final 2 minutes of cooking

Step 4: Marry Pasta with Sauce

• Transfer pasta and peas into sauce using a spider strainer
• Add pasta water and grated cheese
• Toss ingredients to create a creamy coating
• Allow sauce to reduce and pasta to reach perfect texture
• Season with salt and black pepper

Step 5: Present and Garnish

• Plate pasta in warm serving dishes
• Sprinkle additional cheese on top
• Scatter crispy shallots over the dish
• Crack fresh black pepper
• Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture

Heavenly Paglia e Fieno with Crispy Shallots Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky strands of Paglia e Fieno dance with crispy shallots in this classic Italian pasta dish that whispers comfort and elegance. Golden-brown shallots crown green and white noodles, inviting you to savor each remarkable bite of traditional countryside flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 0.5 pound (226 grams) dried egg fettuccine
• 0.5 pound (226 grams) dried spinach fettuccine

Protein and Dairy:

• 5 ounces (142 grams) cubed prosciutto
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (thawed if frozen)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Crispy Shallots:

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 cup neutral oil (vegetable or avocado)
• Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

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Instructions

1. Craft golden-brown shallot crisps by gently frying sliced shallots in oil over medium heat until they transform into delicate, caramelized morsels.
2. Transfer fried shallots using a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and reserve for garnishing.
3. Create a luxurious sauce foundation in a spacious skillet by melting butter and olive oil together, then introducing minced shallots and delicate prosciutto strips.
4. Allow the aromatic mixture to sizzle for approximately three minutes, releasing rich flavor profiles.
5. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, stirring gently to encourage a smooth, velvety consistency that gradually thickens.
6. Simultaneously, prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil.
7. Submerge fettuccine and cook approximately two minutes less than package recommendations to maintain perfect al dente texture.
8. During the final two minutes of pasta cooking, introduce sweet green peas to the boiling water.
9. Carefully transfer pasta and peas directly into the waiting cream sauce using a spider strainer or slotted spoon.
10. Enhance the sauce’s consistency by incorporating pasta water and grated cheese, tossing thoroughly to create a silky coating.
11. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, ensuring pasta reaches ideal doneness and sauce reaches desired thickness.
12. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
13. Plate the pasta, generously garnishing with additional cheese, the reserved crispy shallots, and a final pepper grind.
14. Serve immediately to preserve the pasta’s optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Create crispy shallots slowly to prevent burning, ensuring a golden-brown color that adds delightful crunch without bitterness.
• Use room temperature cream to help sauce blend smoothly and prevent unexpected curdling when mixing with hot ingredients.
• Reserve extra pasta water as a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency, allowing perfect coating without drying out the dish.
• Select high-quality prosciutto for deeper flavor complexity and consider pancetta as a del

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg