Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
Indulgent and quick, this creamy tomato pasta is elevated with salty, crispy prosciutto and a touch of fresh basil.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Looking for a pasta dish that feels gourmet but is totally weeknight-friendly? This Creamy Tomato Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is your answer! The rich, velvety tomato sauce clings beautifully to every noodle, and the crispy, salty prosciutto adds an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor. It's a comforting classic with a little something extra that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well)
- 4 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, place prosciutto slices in a cold large skillet. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, until crispy. Remove from skillet, break into pieces, and set aside. Carefully wipe out any excess grease from the skillet if needed.
Step 3
Add olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in crushed tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 5
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 6
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in fresh basil.
Step 7
Divide pasta among plates, top with crispy prosciutto pieces, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- A splash of white wine can be added to the onions before the tomatoes for extra depth.
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