• ½ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup chopped Virginia ham, country ham, or prosciutto
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 cup finely chopped basil, mint, chives, thyme, or parsley (or in whatever amount you like)
• salt
• freshly ground pepper
• Pâtes aux Oeufs or good commercial noodles

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and add the ham, garlic, and herbs. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes over a medium flame.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta and drain it. Pour in a warm shallow dish and spoon the ham-and-herb mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with pepper and taste before adding any salt. Toss lightly with two forks and serve.