Creamy Penne with Prosciutto Pimiento and Peas

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Penne with Prosciutto, Pimiento, and Peas—a pasta dish that’s equal parts elegant and satisfying. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with a luxuriously smooth Parmesan cream sauce, infused with the savory notes of garlic and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes. The addition of thinly sliced prosciutto, sweet pimiento, and vibrant peas creates a perfect medley of textures and tastes, while fresh parsley adds a bright, fragrant finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is ideal for busy weeknights or an elevated dinner at home. Serve it with extra Parmesan cheese and a crisp side salad for a complete and irresistible dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped
• 1 jar (4 oz) pimiento, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.

Step 2

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4

Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5

Add the chopped prosciutto, pimiento, and peas to the sauce. Stir well to combine and let them heat through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley.

Step 9

Serve immediately, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1163.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3408.3

Total Fat 195.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 110.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 583.0mg	0%
Sodium 5473.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 283.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.6g	0%
Total Sugars 12.5g
Protein 114.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 959.8mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 1760.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.4%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 33.8%