Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxurious fresh pasta, where creamy ricotta meets the salty sophistication of Parma ham, creating a culinary symphony that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. This incredibly easy yet impressively gourmet recipe will transform your home cooking, proving that extraordinary meals don't require hours of preparation or professional chef skills.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 ounces Parma ham, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of fresh pasta, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 4 ounces of sliced Parma ham, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the fresh pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-4 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ricotta cheese to the skillet.
- Stir the ricotta cheese gently, allowing it to warm through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning based on your preference.
- As the ricotta warms, slice the Parma ham into strips or pieces, depending on your preference. Add the sliced Parma ham to the skillet with the ricotta and gently mix to combine. Allow the ham to heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the ricotta and Parma ham mixture. Toss everything together gently, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
- Once well combined, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your Fresh Pasta with Cheese and Parma Ham!
Tips
- Always use the freshest pasta possible - it makes a tremendous difference in texture and taste.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy magic helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Heat your ricotta gently to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Slice Parma ham into thin strips for even distribution and maximum flavor in every bite.
- Don't overcook the pasta - fresh pasta typically needs just 2-4 minutes to reach that perfect al dente texture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note to the rich dish.
- For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 70mg
