Penne with Parmesan Cream, Chives & Parma Ham

Are you looking for a quick and delightful pasta dish that your whole family will love? Look no further! This Penne with Parmesan Cream, Chives, and Parma Ham is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into making a meal that will elevate your dinner table!

Recipe Information

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

500 g Penne
500 ml Cooking cream
150 g Grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Chopped chives
6 slices Parma ham
Fleur de sel (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Boil water for the pasta in a large pot.
Cut 2 slices of Parma ham into 1 cm thick pieces, or thinly slice 6 slices of Parma ham.
In a wok-style pan, bring the cream to a boil; once boiling, add the grated Parmesan and reduce the heat.
Add salt and black pepper (be cautious with the salt as the Parma ham is already quite salty).
Chop the chives finely.
Cook the penne, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes according to the package instructions.
After 2 minutes, transfer the pasta directly into the sauce and cook for an additional minute while mixing well.
Serve immediately.
Top with the sliced Parma ham and chopped chives before serving.

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Recipe Tips

Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or add your favorite vegetables to enhance the dish even further!

Nutritional Information

Approximately 600 calories per serving.

FAQ

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as substitutes for a slightly different flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can omit the Parma ham and add grilled vegetables or a meat substitute.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more grated cheese or a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water).

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready.

What can I serve with this pasta?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread!

Penne with Parmesan Cream, Chives, and Prosciutto