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Whip Up Delicious Parma Ham and Pimento Penne Pasta
Craving a quick and delectable meal? Satisfy your appetite for Italian flavors with this effortless Parma ham and pimento penne pasta recipe. This simple dish is ideal for a relaxed evening when you want a flavorful experience without exceeding your budget, offering a tempting alternative to ordering takeout. Discover how to create this satisfying ham pasta dish in just a few steps.
An Exquisite Fusion of Flavors
This Parma ham pasta is packed with flavor, enhanced by the addition of fresh herbs. The roasted red peppers (pimentos), combined with crème fraîche, vibrant spring onions, and perfectly balanced seasoning, elevate the taste to new heights. Recreate this culinary delight in under 30 minutes following this recipe.
Ham Pasta Recipe
Yields:
- Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 275g penne pasta
- 7 slices Parma ham, torn into smaller portions
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 150g roasted red peppers in oil (from a jar), drained and chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 200g full-fat crème fraîche
- 30g fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
- 30g fresh basil, coarsely chopped
- 30g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta in a pot of vigorously boiling, salted water, following the specific instructions on the package.
- Once cooked to al dente, carefully drain the pasta, but reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
Preparing the Parma Ham
- Simultaneously, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the torn Parma ham to the hot pan, and cook for several minutes until it transforms into crispy, golden pieces.
- Remove the crispy Parma ham from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Creating the Sauce
- Add the olive oil to the same skillet that was previously used.
- Introduce the spring onions, chopped peppers, and minced garlic to the oil-infused pan.
- Sauté the vegetables for about 2 minutes, until they become aromatic and slightly softened.
Combining Ingredients
- Stir in the crème fraîche and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the drained penne pasta along with approximately half of the crispy Parma ham and the majority of the fresh herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Finishing Touches
- Stir the mixture continuously over low heat for a couple of minutes, ensuring all components are well combined.
- Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, and add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce appears too thick, striving for a smooth and creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle the remaining crispy Parma ham and fresh herbs over the top as a garnish.
- Serve this flavorful penne pasta dish immediately while it’s still warm, and savor the harmonious blend of flavors.