Creamy Tomato Pasta with Prosciutto
A Rich & Satisfying 25-Minute Meal
Your New Go-To Comfort Dish
This Creamy Tomato Pasta with Prosciutto is the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and satisfying. The crispy, salty prosciutto adds an irresistible crunch and depth to a rich tomato sauce, all coated around your favorite pasta.
It’s a surprisingly quick and easy dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet Italian restaurant. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Prosciutto
- Pasta (Penne, Rigatoni, or Linguine)12 oz
- Prosciutto (thinly sliced)4 oz
- Olive Oil1 Tbsp
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes1 (28oz) can
- Heavy Cream1/2 Cup
- Minced Garlic3 Cloves
- Fresh Basil (chopped)1/4 Cup
- Parmesan Cheese (grated)1/4 Cup
- Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper FlakesTo taste
Instructions
Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Crisp Prosciutto: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add prosciutto and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, crumbling once cool.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, basil, and seasonings.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with crispy prosciutto.
🍝 Chef’s Tip for Extra Flavor
Before adding the garlic to the pan, lightly brown a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor.
🌿 Herb Variations
Add fresh oregano or a touch of thyme along with the basil for a more complex herb profile.
Creamy Tomato Pasta Guide
Cook pasta just to al dente and reserve some cooking water. Crisp prosciutto separately, then build the tomato sauce over moderate heat. Add dairy gently and avoid a hard boil.
- Use pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Add prosciutto near serving to retain texture.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours for 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk.
For another creamy pasta, see our Alfredo sauce.
FAQ
Can I omit prosciutto? Yes; mushrooms or roasted vegetables work. Why did my sauce split? Excess heat after adding dairy is the usual cause.
