The Perfect Sauce For Prosciutto And Cheese Tortellini

Prosciutto and cheese tortellini is a delicious dish, but the right sauce can take it to the next level. There are many sauces that can be paired with prosciutto and cheese tortellini, including creamy sauces, tomato-based sauces, and unique options. Some popular choices include Alfredo sauce, carbonara sauce, and tomato sauce. You can also try a simple butter and herb sauce, or get creative with a sauce made from white wine, garlic, and lemon juice.

Creamy cheese sauce

A creamy cheese sauce is a perfect pairing for prosciutto and cheese tortellini. This sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, as it can be used as a side dish or a main course. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering sauce:

Ingredients:

• Cheese tortellini (frozen or fresh)
• Prosciutto (thinly sliced or chopped)
• Half-and-half cream or heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• White pepper
• Flour
• Butter (optional)
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon rind (optional)
• Spinach (optional)
• Peas (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package directions. While the tortellini is cooking, it's time to make the creamy cheese sauce. In a separate large skillet or pot, combine the flour and cream, whisking until smooth. This step is crucial for creating a creamy base for your sauce. Next, stir in the cheeses. The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses will add a delightful tanginess to your sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, continuously stirring, until it thickens. This should take around 2-3 minutes.

Now, it's time to add flavour and texture. Stir in the white pepper, which will give your sauce a subtle zing. If you're feeling adventurous, add some grated lemon rind for a refreshing tang. At this point, you can also throw in some chopped prosciutto for an extra salty bite. Continue cooking on medium heat, stirring often, until the cheeses have melted into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Once your sauce is ready, it's time to bring everything together. Drain the cooked tortellini and add them directly into your creamy cheese sauce. Gently toss the tortellini to coat them evenly in the sauce. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can also add some wilted spinach and peas to the mix. They add a pop of colour and a boost of nutrition.

Finally, cook everything together for a few minutes, just enough to heat it through. And voilà! Your prosciutto and cheese tortellini are now dressed in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce. Serve it immediately while it's still hot. If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top and enjoy the flavours of Italy in the comfort of your home.

This creamy cheese sauce is not only a perfect match for prosciutto and cheese tortellini but can also be used with other types of pasta or even as a dip for breadsticks. It's a versatile and indulgent treat for any cheese lover.

Butter and herb sauce

A butter and herb sauce is a classic choice for prosciutto and cheese tortellini. The saltiness of the prosciutto and the creaminess of the cheese tortellini are perfectly complemented by the richness of a butter sauce.

A simple recipe for a butter and herb sauce can be made by melting butter in a skillet and adding garlic and herbs such as basil or sage. This sauce can be poured over the prosciutto and cheese tortellini, creating a delicious and flavourful dish.

For a more complex sauce, you can start by cooking down some mushrooms in olive oil with a pinch of salt. Then, add garlic and your choice of herbs, such as thyme or basil, to the skillet. You can also add in some chicken broth or vegetable broth to create a more savoury sauce.

Another option is to create a creamy butter and herb sauce by adding heavy cream to the skillet and bringing it to a simmer. You can also add some freshly grated nutmeg to this sauce for an extra layer of flavour. This sauce will coat the tortellini, creating a rich and indulgent dish.

When making a butter and herb sauce, it is important to use salted butter to avoid a bland sauce. You can also add in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavour and add a salty kick.

This type of sauce is a versatile choice that can be used for a variety of dishes, including other types of pasta, chicken, or shrimp. It is a simple yet delicious way to elevate your prosciutto and cheese tortellini.

White wine, garlic, and lemon juice sauce

A white wine, garlic, and lemon juice sauce is a great choice to pair with prosciutto and cheese tortellini. This sauce is light and creamy with a hint of acidity from the wine, creating a perfect balance of flavours.

To make the sauce, start by melting some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute, stirring frequently to ensure the garlic doesn't burn. You can also add some dried herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, or sage, along with salt and pepper to taste.

Next, add white wine to the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. For the wine, choose a dry variety that you enjoy drinking, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. This adds a nice depth of flavour to the sauce.

At this point, you can also add some grape or cherry tomatoes, which will cook quickly and add a pop of freshness to the sauce. Let the tomatoes simmer for a few minutes, and then stir in some heavy cream. The cream will thicken the sauce and give it a luxurious texture.

Finally, add your cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal that's sure to impress. The combination of flavours and textures from the salty prosciutto, cheesy tortellini, and light, creamy sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Carbonara sauce

Ingredients:

• Cheese tortellini (frozen or refrigerated)
• Bacon or pancetta
• Heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package directions, then drain and set it aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it on paper towels to absorb the excess grease. Pour off the drippings from the pan.

In the same pan, combine the cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and bacon. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir in the cooked tortellini and serve immediately. You can also add some peas to the dish to lighten it up and add fresh flavors.

Tips and Variations:

You can make this dish more like a traditional carbonara by adding eggs to the sauce. Try halving the cream and tempering two whisked eggs into the sauce for added protein. To temper the eggs, add a small amount of the hot mixture to the whisked eggs before adding it back to the pan, and do this after removing the pan from the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

If you prefer long noodles, you can also make this dish with spaghetti instead of tortellini. Additionally, you can use pancetta or guanciale (pork jowl) instead of bacon. Freshly ground black pepper can also be added to each serving for enhanced flavor.

Storage:

Once it cools, store the tortellini carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three to four days. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate, and the pasta's texture may change.

Basil pesto sauce

A vibrant and flavourful dish, basil pesto sauce with prosciutto and cheese tortellini is a delicious and simple meal to prepare. This recipe combines the saltiness of prosciutto with the creamy, cheesy tortellini and fresh, bold basil pesto for a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• Prosciutto
• Cheese tortellini
• Basil pesto
• Parmesan cheese
• Broccoli florets (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

Begin by cooking the prosciutto in a skillet for a few minutes, until slightly crispy. Set aside.

Next, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a separate pan, heat up some basil pesto—either store-bought or homemade. You can also add some butter and cream to the pesto for a richer sauce.

Combine the cooked tortellini with the pesto sauce, adding in the prosciutto and mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, serve the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and perhaps some steamed broccoli florets on the side.

Tips and Variations:

• For a lighter version, use less pesto and more tortellini.
• You can also add other ingredients to this dish, such as mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, or extra cheese.
• If you want a more substantial meal, serve it with a grilled chicken breast.
• This dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto.

Storage:

This pesto tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or extra pesto to maintain moisture.

Frequently asked questions