Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Mushrooms
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this creamy pasta dish, featuring the rich umami of fresh mushrooms, the savory notes of prosciutto, and the sweet pops of thawed peas, all enveloped in a luscious Romano cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish not only satisfies the palate but is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Serve it warm and watch your guests savor each bite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bow tie pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Fresh mushrooms
3 cups (thinly sliced (approximately 8 ounces))
Prosciutto
1 cup (chopped (or substitute with ham))
Light cream
3/4 cup
Frozen peas
1 cup (thawed)
Romano cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked bow tie pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
2
2. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the thinly sliced mushrooms and chopped prosciutto. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.
3
3. Pour in the light cream, stirring gently to combine. Heat the mixture almost to boiling, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
4. Add the thawed peas to the skillet and stir, heating through for an additional 2 minutes. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a spoonful of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
5
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the drained bow tie pasta and grated Romano cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6
6. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Romano cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this pasta dish?
This dish features a rich umami flavor from fresh mushrooms and savory notes from prosciutto, balanced by the sweetness of peas and a creamy Romano cheese sauce.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked bow tie pasta.
Can I substitute the prosciutto?
Yes, if you do not have prosciutto, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chopped ham.
What kind of mushrooms are required?
You will need 3 cups of fresh mushrooms, which is approximately 8 ounces, thinly sliced.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of cream is best for the sauce?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of light cream for a luscious consistency.
How do I prepare the peas for this dish?
You should use 1 cup of frozen peas and ensure they are thawed before adding them to the skillet.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms and prosciutto?
Sauté them in butter for about 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.
Should I cook the pasta all the way through?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, following the instructions on the package.
Why should I reserve the pasta water?
Reserved pasta water can be used to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick after adding the ingredients.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to better control the sodium levels, especially since prosciutto and Romano cheese are already salty.
How do I ensure the cream doesn't curdle?
Stir the cream gently and heat it almost to a boil, but do not let it reach a vigorous rolling boil.
What is the total cooking time for the sauce components?
The sauce takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes to prepare once the pasta is boiling.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you should adjust the final dish with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Toss the cooked pasta and grated Romano cheese into the skillet until everything is well coated.
Is there a suggested garnish?
You can garnish the pasta with additional grated Romano cheese if desired.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While bow tie pasta is recommended, other short shapes like penne or fusilli would also work well.
What is the best way to slice the mushrooms?
Thinly slicing the mushrooms ensures they cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the pasta.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with a vegetarian meat substitute.
Is Romano cheese interchangeable with Parmesan?
Yes, you can use Parmesan, though Romano provides a sharper, saltier flavor characteristic of this specific recipe.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water and toss it with the sauce immediately after draining.
Should the peas be heated separately?
No, the thawed peas are added directly to the skillet with the cream and heated through for about 2 minutes.
What makes the sauce 'luscious'?
The combination of light cream and melted Romano cheese creates a smooth, coating texture.
Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?
Yes, heavy cream can be used for an even richer and thicker sauce.
How much prosciutto is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped prosciutto.
What kind of mushrooms should I buy?
Standard white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work perfectly for this recipe.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original list, adding minced garlic while sautéing the mushrooms would enhance the flavor.
How should I serve this dish?
It is best served warm, immediately after tossing the pasta with the creamy sauce.