If you love creamy pasta dishes but want something a little more authentic than Alfredo, let us introduce you to a Roman favorite: Pasta con Panna e Prosciutto. This simple yet indulgent dish combines pasta with cream (panna) and thin slices of Italian prosciutto, offering a balance of richness, saltiness, and silkiness in every bite.
Perfect for weeknights or weekend treats, this recipe brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen — no complicated steps, just pure, comforting flavor.
What is Pasta con Panna e Prosciutto?
“Pasta con panna e prosciutto” translates to pasta with cream and ham. It’s a traditional Italian dish — often seen in central Italy — made with short or long pasta, silky cream, and salty cured ham, typically prosciutto cotto (cooked ham), although prosciutto crudo can be used as well.
It’s often mistaken for American "ham and cream pasta," but this dish stays truer to its Italian roots with less cheese, more finesse, and quality ingredients doing most of the work.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2)
200g pasta (penne, farfalle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine)
100ml heavy cream (panna)👨🍳 Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
🔹 Step 2: Sauté the Prosciutto
In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped prosciutto cotto and cook gently for 2–3 minutes, just until lightly golden and aromatic.
🍖 Don’t overcook prosciutto — you want it tender, not crispy.
🔹 Step 3: Add the Cream
Lower the heat and pour in the cream. Stir to combine with the prosciutto. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
🧂 Taste before adding salt — prosciutto is already salty.
🔹 Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Stir in the Parmigiano Reggiano, grind in some fresh black pepper, and toss again until creamy and glossy.
🔹 Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate immediately. Garnish with more Parmesan, a crack of pepper, and a little chopped parsley if desired.
🍷 Wine Pairing
Pair this dish with a light-to-medium-bodied white wine like:
Pinot GrigioSoave
These whites complement the cream without overpowering the delicate ham flavor.
💡 Tips for Perfect Pasta con Panna e Prosciutto
Use prosciutto cotto (Italian cooked ham) for authentic flavor.Fresh pasta takes it to another level, but dried works perfectly too.
🍽️ Variations
Add peas or mushrooms for extra texture and earthiness.📌 Final Thoughts
Pasta con Panna e Prosciutto is the kind of dish that feels comforting and indulgent, yet never heavy or clumsy. It captures the heart of Italian cooking: high-quality ingredients, balanced flavors, and simple techniques that anyone can master.
Make it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special lunch — either way, it’s bound to become a favorite.
Buon Appetito!
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