Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Crispy Prosciutto and Peas

This creamy tortellini dish is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Cheese-filled pasta is tossed in a rich, velvety cream sauce studded with sweet green peas, then topped with salty, crispy prosciutto and a shower of freshly grated Parmesan.

Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. The contrast of tender pasta, creamy sauce and crunchy prosciutto makes every bite irresistible.

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Ingredients

9 ounce TortelloniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce PeasView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Cream Sauce BaseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Parmesan Cheese BlockView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce ProsciuttoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortelloni and cook until tender and floating, 3-5 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. Rinse under cold water for 30 seconds; shake off excess.
2. While pasta cooks, tear prosciutto into bite-size pieces. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto and cook, stirring, until browned and crispy, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Wipe out pan.
3. In the same pan over medium-low heat, combine cream sauce base, ¼ cup reserved pasta water and butter. Grate half the Parmesan into the pan. Whisk constantly until slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Season with pepper. Remove from heat.
4. Add drained tortelloni to the sauce and stir to coat. If too thick, add more pasta water. Add peas and toss. Season with salt and pepper (remember prosciutto is salty). Divide among bowls, top with prosciutto and remaining Parmesan. Serve.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use frozen peas?

Yes, add them straight from frozen; they’ll warm through in the sauce.

Can I substitute the prosciutto?

Try crispy bacon or pancetta for a similar salty crunch.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk.