Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Crispy Prosciutto and Sweet Peas
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Crispy Prosciutto and Sweet Peas, a harmonious blend of delicate cheese-filled pasta, savory prosciutto, and vibrant green peas. This dish embodies comfort and elegance, perfect for a romantic evening at home. With a rich, creamy sauce enriched by freshly grated Parmesan and a hint of nutmeg, each bite is a delightful experience. Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce and create a memorable dining experience.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cheese tortellini
12 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
water
1/4 cup (reserved from cooking tortellini)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
prosciutto
1/4 lb (sliced into thin strips)
heavy cream
1 cup (fresh)
nutmeg
1 pinch (freshly grated)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
frozen baby peas
3/4 cup (thawed)
salt
to taste (to season)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground, to season)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3
Add the sliced prosciutto to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until it becomes slightly crispy.
4
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5
Once the cream is simmering, add freshly grated nutmeg and reduce the heat to low. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cream has thickened and reduced by half, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
6
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and thawed peas, mixing until the cheese is melted and the peas are heated through.
7
Gently fold in the cooked tortellini and the reserved pasta water, tossing everything together until the tortellini is well coated in the creamy sauce.
8
Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately for a cozy and delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Crispy Prosciutto and Sweet Peas?
It is a luxurious one-dish meal featuring cheese-filled pasta, savory prosciutto, and vibrant green peas in a rich Parmesan cream sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people, making it perfect for a romantic evening.
What type of pasta is required?
You will need 12 ounces of cheese tortellini for this dish.
How should the tortellini be cooked?
Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente.
Should I save any of the pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining to help bind the sauce.
What meat is included in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 lb of prosciutto, sliced into thin strips.
How do I prepare the prosciutto?
Sauté the prosciutto in a skillet with melted butter for about 2 minutes until it becomes slightly crispy.
What kind of cream is used for the sauce?
The sauce is made using 1 cup of fresh heavy cream.
How do I thicken the cream sauce?
Bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to low, stirring occasionally until it has reduced by half.
What spices are used to flavor the sauce?
The sauce is flavored with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
What type of cheese goes into the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Do I use fresh or frozen peas?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of frozen baby peas, thawed before use.
What type of butter should I use?
Use 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for sautéing the garlic and prosciutto.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese and peas?
Add the cheese and thawed peas once the cream has simmered and thickened, mixing until the cheese is melted.
How do I combine the pasta with the sauce?
Gently fold in the cooked tortellini and the reserved pasta water, tossing until everything is well coated.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This dish is best served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the luscious creamy sauce.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Is this recipe suitable for an Italian cuisine night?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine and features classic Italian ingredients like tortellini, prosciutto, and Parmesan.
How do I ensure the prosciutto stays crispy?
Cook the prosciutto strips in the butter for 2 minutes until slightly crispy before adding the liquid cream.
What is the purpose of the nutmeg?
Freshly grated nutmeg adds a subtle depth and hint of warmth to the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
For the best texture and flavor, the recipe recommends using freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to reduce the cream?
It typically takes about 4-5 minutes for the cream to reduce by half on low heat.
What is the final seasoning step?
Season the finished dish to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper immediately before serving.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tortellini, creamy pasta, prosciutto, peas, romantic dinner, and Italian cuisine.
Is the tortellini fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies 12 ounces of cheese tortellini, which can be fresh or dried, as long as it is cooked according to package directions.
Should I use high heat for the sauce?
No, use medium heat for sautéing and low heat once the cream is simmering to avoid burning or curdling.
What makes this dish elegant?
The combination of delicate cheese pasta, salty prosciutto, and a rich nutmeg-infused cream sauce creates an elegant flavor profile.
Does this recipe include dietary information like calories?
The provided data does not include specific nutritional information like calories, fat, or carbohydrates.