Creamy Alfredo Tortellini with Prosciutto, Mushrooms, and Peas
Indulge in a decadent and creamy pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce. Enhanced by the savory addition of prosciutto, the earthy flavors of mushrooms, and the sweet burst of peas, this dish offers a luxurious dining experience. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this comforting meal doesn't hold back on creaminess, celebrating the richness of every ingredient.
N/A
Servings
700
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cheese tortellini
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
half-and-half
2 cups (none)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (divided, plus extra for sautéing)
egg yolk
1 (lightly beaten)
grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (plus extra for serving)
freshly grated nutmeg
1 dash (none)
prosciutto
4 ounces (julienned into 2-inch strips)
mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
frozen green peas
1 cup (cooked until tender)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the package directions in boiling water. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
2. In a small saucepan, cook the frozen peas in a slight amount of salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3
3. Slice the prosciutto into julienne strips about 2 inches long.
4
4. In a skillet, melt a small amount of butter and sauté the prosciutto and sliced mushrooms until just heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
5
5. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Incorporate the flour, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture turns a light golden color, forming a roux.
6
6. Gradually add the half-and-half to the roux, whisking continuously for a smooth blend. Allow the sauce to cook, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.
7
7. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk slightly. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce mixture to the egg yolk to temper, then slowly whisk the yolk mixture back into the sauce.
8
8. Continue cooking over medium-low heat for another few minutes, stirring constantly. Add the nutmeg and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has completely melted. Remove the sauce from heat.
9
9. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, prepared peas, prosciutto, and mushrooms. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated.
10
10. Top with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately, showcasing the rich creaminess and savory flavors of the dish.
Nutrition Information
40g
Fat
52.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one pound of cheese tortellini cooked according to package directions.
How do you prepare the prosciutto?
The prosciutto should be sliced into julienne strips about 2 inches long.
What type of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of sliced mushrooms which are sautéed with the prosciutto.
How are the peas prepared?
One cup of frozen green peas is cooked in a small amount of salted water until tender and then drained.
What is the base of the Alfredo sauce?
The sauce starts with a roux made from 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What dairy is used for the creaminess?
Two cups of half-and-half are gradually whisked into the roux to create a smooth sauce.
Why is an egg yolk added to the sauce?
A slightly beaten egg yolk is tempered into the sauce to add richness and help with thickening.
How do you temper the egg yolk?
Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce mixture to the egg yolk before whisking the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
What cheese is used in the sauce?
One cup of grated Parmesan cheese is stirred into the sauce until completely melted.
Is there any spice in the Alfredo sauce?
Yes, a dash of freshly grated nutmeg is added to the sauce for a subtle depth of flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
This dish contains approximately 700 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 40 grams of fat per serving in this creamy dish.
How much protein does this meal provide?
This recipe provides 25 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 52.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, it is recommended to top the dish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
How should the final dish be served?
Serve immediately after tossing the tortellini, peas, prosciutto, and mushrooms with the hot Alfredo sauce.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is cooking the tortellini in boiling water until done and then draining them.
How do you sauté the mushrooms and prosciutto?
Melt a small amount of butter in a skillet and sauté them until they are just heated through.
What color should the roux be?
The butter and flour mixture should be stirred constantly until it turns a light golden color.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
Two tablespoons of unsalted butter are used to create the roux.
What texture should the Alfredo sauce have?
The sauce should be cooked and stirred often until it thickens slightly into a smooth blend.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich and indulgent nature makes it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used to create this dish.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be substituted as long as they are cooked until tender.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe specifies using all-purpose flour for the roux.
What makes the prosciutto savory in this dish?
The prosciutto is julienned and sautéed in butter, which brings out its savory flavor.
How do you combine the sauce and pasta?
In a large serving bowl, combine the tortellini and other ingredients, then pour the sauce over and gently toss.
What is the cooking time for the sauce after adding the egg?
Continue cooking over medium-low heat for another few minutes after whisking in the yolk.
Is the Parmesan cheese fresh or pre-grated?
The recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese; freshly grated often melts more smoothly into the sauce.
What category of cuisine does this fall into?
This is an Italian-inspired pasta dish characterized as comfort food.