Grandma’s Creamy Tomato and Prosciutto Penne Recipe
Imagine coming home after a long day and craving a dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. This creamy pasta dish, combining the sweetness of tomatoes with the richness of cream, is just what you need.
I still remember when my grandma used to serve this pasta during the cold winter evenings. Her kitchen would fill with inviting aromas as she carefully mixed the simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Today, I pass on to you the baton of this warm culinary embrace: penne enveloped in a pink cream where the cooked prosciutto adds that irresistible savory note.
Between the prosciutto bits and the melding of Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses, every bite becomes a little masterpiece to savor slowly. And if you’re someone who loves to add a bit of crunch to their meal, feel free to sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or crumbled bacon for that final touch!
In just 25 minutes, you can sit down to a generous portion of this homemade delight – comfort food at its best!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: Quick and easy to prepare
- PROS: Perfect balance of flavors between ham, cream, and tomatoes
- CONS: High calorie content (approximately 800 Kcal per serving)
- PREPARATION: Fast, in just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delightful dish
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Rich in proteins and carbohydrates, moderate fat content
Ingredients Notes for the Recipe
- Ridged Penne: perfect for holding the tomato and cream sauce
- Tomato Sauce: adds a touch of acidity to the dish
- Heavy Cream: brings creaminess to the dish
- Ham: adds a salty flavor and richness to the dish
- Grated Parmesan and Pecorino Cheese: add flavor and creaminess to the dish
- Butter: essential for creating a buttery base for the pasta
Nutritional Aspects
Let’s discover the nutritional benefits of this delightful recipe for Creamy Tomato and Ham Penne:
- Significant energy intake, about 800 Kcal per serving.
- High-quality proteins from the cooked ham and cheeses.
- Source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy from the penne pasta.
- Calcium content from parmesan and pecorino, great for bone health.
- The tomato sauce provides vitamins A and C, beneficial for the immune system.
- Recipe containing both saturated (butter, cream) and unsaturated fats (cheeses).
Recipe for Penne with Tomato Cream and Prosciutto
Ingredients
- 150 g Pasta Penne Rigate type
- 4 tablespoons Tomato Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Cream Liquid
- 100 g Ham Cooked
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese Grated
- 2 tablespoons Pecorino Cheese Grated
- 25 g Butter
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne rigate according to the package instructions to achieve al dente pasta.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce and heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil, stirring to blend the flavors.
- Cut the cooked ham into small pieces.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain it and transfer it to a large pan where you have melted the butter.
- Pour the tomato and cream sauce over the pasta, add the cut ham, and mix well to evenly coat.
- Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan and Pecorino cheese, stirring again until the cheeses have melted, creating a creamy coating.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by an additional sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Notes
Variations of Creamy Tomato and Prosciutto Penne Recipe
Customize the recipe with these additions
- Add some toasted pine nuts for a crunchy and aromatic touch
- Swap the prosciutto for crispy bacon for a more intense flavor
- Try it with Gorgonzola cheese instead of Parmesan and Pecorino for a bolder taste
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
Find answers to the most common questions about this delicious dish!
How can I make the dish crispier?
Add some toasted pine nuts or crumbled crispy bacon before serving for a crispy and smoky touch.
Can I substitute the prosciutto with a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can replace the prosciutto with sautéed zucchini cubes for an equally delightful vegetarian version.
How much cheese should I add?
Add two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and two tablespoons of grated pecorino cheese for the right creaminess and flavor.
