Creamy Penne with Prosciutto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this creamy penne pasta, featuring a luxurious cream sauce, strips of crispy prosciutto, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, combining the tenderness of perfectly cooked pasta with a velvety sauce that's infused with aromatic onions and a hint of spice.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (none)
yellow onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
prosciutto
3 ounces (cut into thin strips)
sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons (coarsely chopped, packed in oil)
heavy cream
1 3/4 cups (none)
salt
to taste (none)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
to taste (none)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
2
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the thin strips of prosciutto to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the prosciutto starts to brown and become slightly crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and then pour in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced by about half and thickened to your desired consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4
Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to your taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the prosciutto can be quite salty.
5
Toss the cooked penne pasta with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated.
6
Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy your quick and delicious pasta creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main flavors of this Creamy Penne recipe?
The dish features a rich and savory cream sauce, crispy prosciutto, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
This recipe is categorized as a quick meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
Penne pasta is the recommended choice for this recipe to hold the thick, creamy sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This specific recipe is scaled for 1 serving.
How should I prepare the yellow onion?
The yellow onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in butter until soft and translucent.
What is the best way to cut the prosciutto?
The prosciutto should be cut into thin strips before being cooked until crispy.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, which should be coarsely chopped.
How much heavy cream is required?
You will need 1 3/4 cups of heavy cream to create the sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer to thicken?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 8-10 minutes until reduced by about half.
Should I add a lot of salt to the sauce?
Use salt sparingly and to taste, as the prosciutto itself provides a significant amount of saltiness.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
What kind of cheese should be used for topping?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is the recommended topping for this pasta.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions.
How long do I cook the prosciutto?
The prosciutto strips should be cooked for 3-4 minutes until they start to brown and become slightly crispy.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as velvety, luxurious, and thick enough to thoroughly coat the pasta.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While yellow onion is specified for its flavor, a white onion or shallot could be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed as a quick yet satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including seasonings and the pasta.
What heat setting should I use for the prosciutto?
Increase the heat to medium-high when adding the prosciutto to the skillet.
Should the pasta be cooked before adding it to the sauce?
Yes, the penne should be cooked beforehand so it can be tossed with the sauce at the end.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pasta, Italian, comfort food, quick meal, easy recipe, and creamy sauce.
Is there a specific amount of butter to use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter for sautéing the onions.
How do I ensure the pasta is well coated?
Toss the cooked penne thoroughly with the reduced sauce before serving.
Does the recipe include fiber or protein data?
Specific nutritional values for protein and fiber are not provided in the current raw data.
Can I use dry sun-dried tomatoes?
The recipe specifies oil-packed tomatoes for their texture and flavor, but dry ones would need rehydration first.
When should I add the parmesan cheese?
The parmesan cheese should be added as a topping immediately before serving.
How do I know the onion is ready?
The onion is ready when it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes 4-5 minutes.
What is the serving size?
The serving size information is not specified beyond being a single-serving recipe.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich cream sauce and satisfying ingredients.