Craving a delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than Mary Berry’s 15-minute creamy pasta recipe! This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner option.
Mary Berry, the beloved Great British Bake Off star, has created a recipe that is both elegant and approachable. The star of this dish is the rich and creamy crème fraîche, which is perfectly balanced by the salty, crispy Parma ham and the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a final touch of cheesy goodness.
This recipe, shared by the Happy Foodie from Mary’s book ‘Marry Berry Cooks’, serves six and is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Here’s what you’ll need:
* 350g penne pasta
* Two tbsp vegetable oil
* Two 80g packs Parma ham, snipped into small pieces
* 250g small chestnut mushrooms, halved or quartered
* 200g full-fat crème fraîche
* 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
* Two tbsp chopped parsley
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. In a frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add half of the Parma ham and fry until it becomes crisp, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
3. Next, add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for about two minutes. Stir in the crème fraîche and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan, the remaining Parma ham, and parsley, then toss everything together over the heat.
5. Season to taste and serve the pasta with the crispy Parma ham on top.
Tips:
* If you don’t have Parma ham, then Black Forest ham or Serrano ham work just as well.
* Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as portobello or shiitake.
* For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add some extra vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli florets.
Mary Berry’s creamy pasta is a delightful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Its ease of preparation, delicious flavors, and versatility make it an ideal choice for any weeknight meal. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy this culinary masterpiece!
