Tortellini with cream, prosciutto, and peas

Tortellini with cream, prosciutto, and peas

If you are looking for a quick and delicious recipe for a comforting dinner, then tortellini with cream, prosciutto, and peas is the perfect choice! This recipe combines the velvety texture of tortellini with a creamy, flavorful sauce, and a touch of salty prosciutto, for a burst of flavors that will delight your taste buds. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare this savory dish, filled with perfectly blended ingredients.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500 g tortellini (choose meat-filled for a richer taste)
- 250 g cooking cream
- 100 g cream cheese (you can also use goat cheese for a stronger flavor)
- 150 g prosciutto (thinly sliced, but you can substitute with pancetta or bacon)
- 100 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 100 g parmesan (grated, for a delicious topping)
- 1/2 glass of white wine (choose a dry wine for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin, for a special taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient details

Tortellini are a type of Italian pasta, filled with meat or cheese, that can transform a simple dish into something special. Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that provides a salty, savory flavor, while peas add a sweet note and a crunchy texture. The cream and cream cheese are essential for creating a rich, creamy sauce, and the parmesan will further enhance the flavor of this dish.

A brief history

Tortellini have deep roots in culinary tradition, often associated with festive meals. These pasta are commonly served in soups or with rich sauces, and the combination with cream and prosciutto is a perfect example of the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine.

Step by step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the prosciutto into small cubes. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand so you can work quickly.

2. Cooking the prosciutto: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the prosciutto cubes and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly crispy. This is when the aroma will be released!

3. Adding the peas and wine: Add the peas to the skillet and pour in the white wine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine evaporates. This step will bring an extra acidity and enhance the flavors.

4. Creating the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring well to combine. Then, add the cooking cream and let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes velvety.

5. Finishing the sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and add the grated parmesan. Stir well to integrate it into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

6. Boiling the tortellini: In a separate pot, boil salted water and add the tortellini. Follow the instructions on the pasta package and boil them until al dente. This step usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

7. Combining the ingredients: Once the tortellini are ready, drain them and add them directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir well to coat them evenly with the sauce.

8. Serving: Serve the tortellini warm, sprinkled with additional parmesan on top. You can also add some fresh basil leaves for a delicious look and extra aroma.

Practical tips

- Ingredient variations: You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enrich the recipe. Also, experiment with other types of cheese, such as gorgonzola or brie, to achieve different flavors.
- Fresh pasta vs. dried pasta: If you have access to fresh tortellini, use them as they have a more delicate texture, but dried tortellini works perfectly too.
- White wine: If you prefer a non-alcoholic recipe, you can replace the wine with vegetable or meat broth.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! You can replace prosciutto with cooked chicken or beef.
- How can I make the recipe healthier? You can use low-fat cream and vegetable-filled tortellini to reduce calories.
- What can I serve with tortellini? This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a flavorful focaccia.

Nutritional benefits

Tortellini with cream, prosciutto, and peas offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making it a hearty and energizing meal. Peas provide vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, while parmesan adds important calcium for bone health.

Personal note

This recipe for tortellini with cream, prosciutto, and peas is one of my favorites. It reminds me of evenings spent with family, where the aroma of the sauce mingled with laughter and stories around the table. Add a touch of love to each dish and you will turn a simple dinner into an unforgettable memory!

Enjoy this dish warm, alongside a glass of dry white wine or a freshly mint-sprinkled lemonade, and savor every bite!