Pasta And Creamed Prosciutto Sauce
Creamy pasta with tender prosciutto, rich Parmesan, and subtle nutmeg offers a luxurious, flavorful meal perfect for special dinners or comforting family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut prosciutto into cubes smaller than 1/2 inch.
- Melt butter in a large casserole over low heat.
- Add prosciutto and sauté lightly for 1 minute.
- Bring a pot of cold water to a boil.
- Add salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil to the water.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook to desired texture.
- Drain the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta to the casserole with the prosciutto.
- Immediately pour the heavy cream over the pasta.
- Season with salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg.
- Gently mix all ingredients together.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a warmed serving dish and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you can't find prosciutto, pancetta can be a fantastic alternative. Ensure the butter is melted over low heat to avoid burning. Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce can enhance the flavors, just like in traditional Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully. You can also pair it with dishes like Spinach And Gorgonzola Pizza for a delightful Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can cause the pasta to become gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Creamed Prosciutto Sauce contains roughly 321 calories, with 6g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Alternatively, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan can also work well, giving a creamier texture to the dish.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Fettuccine or tagliatelle are excellent choices as their flat shapes hold the creamy sauce well. However, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, from penne to spaghetti, depending on your taste.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the prosciutto and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty texture. You can also include spinach or fresh herbs for added flavor, maintaining the creamy base.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).