Creamy Basil and Prosciutto Bow Tie Pasta
Indulge in this delightful and creamy bow tie pasta dish infused with the aromatic flavors of fresh basil, complemented by sweet peas and savory prosciutto. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. The combination of rich evaporated milk and tangy Parmesan cheese creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, providing a comforting meal that's both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you're serving it to family or friends, this dish is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
fat-free evaporated milk
12 ounces (none)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (none)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (shredded)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
frozen peas
1 cup (thawed)
prosciutto
2 ounces (chopped)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the fat-free evaporated milk and flour until well combined. Continue to cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
3
Next, stir in the shredded fresh basil and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.
4
Add the thawed peas, chopped prosciutto, and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked bow tie pasta in a large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Basil and Prosciutto Bow Tie Pasta?
It is a quick and creamy pasta dish featuring bow tie noodles, fresh basil, sweet peas, and savory prosciutto in a velvety Parmesan sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire recipe takes approximately 25 minutes from start to finish.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of uncooked bow tie pasta.
Can I use a different type of milk?
The recipe recommends 12 ounces of fat-free evaporated milk to create the creamy sauce base.
How much prosciutto is required?
You will need 2 ounces of chopped prosciutto.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce is thickened by whisking one tablespoon of all-purpose flour into the evaporated milk.
What kind of peas are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of frozen peas that have been thawed.
How much garlic is needed?
You should use one minced clove of garlic.
Is fresh or dried basil better for this dish?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of shredded fresh basil for the best flavor.
What type of cheese is included in the sauce?
The sauce is finished with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked in salted water according to the package directions until it is al dente.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is whisking the evaporated milk and flour together in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
How long should I cook the milk and flour mixture?
Cook and stir the milk and flour mixture constantly for about one minute.
When do I add the garlic and basil?
Add the minced garlic and shredded basil after the milk and flour have cooked for a minute, then cook for one additional minute.
Should the sauce be brought to a boil?
No, you should be careful not to let the mixture boil after adding the cheese and other ingredients.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked pasta in a large bowl and toss gently to coat.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you can adjust the salt and pepper to your personal taste before serving.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because it combines protein, vegetables, and grains in one bowl.
What cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as Italian cuisine.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The combination of evaporated milk and Parmesan creates a velvety, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is perfect for weeknights because it is quick, easy, and takes only 25 minutes.
Should the prosciutto be cooked before adding to the sauce?
The recipe instructions indicate adding the chopped prosciutto directly into the saucepan to heat through with the cheese and peas.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
While not specified in the recipe, you could add a splash of pasta water or extra milk to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use frozen peas without thawing them?
The recipe recommends using thawed peas to ensure they are heated through properly in the quick sauce.
What makes this dish refreshing?
The use of fresh basil and sweet peas provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, the description notes that the dish is sure to impress both family and friends.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
You can, but the sauce may not be as rich or creamy as when using fat-free evaporated milk.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of pasta, which typically serves 2 to 4 people depending on portion sizes.