One-Pot Tortellini with Prosciutto and Peas Recipe
This One-Pot Tortellini with Prosciutto and Peas recipe is a quick and comforting meal combining tender cheese tortellini, crispy prosciutto, and sweet peas in a creamy, flavorful sauce infused with lemon zest and nutmeg. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more if needed
- 4 slices prosciutto (about 2 ounces)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 16 to 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups (10 ounces) frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon (about 1½ teaspoons zest plus 1½ tablespoons juice)
Instructions
- Cook the Prosciutto: In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the prosciutto is golden and crisp. Press occasionally with a spatula to ensure even crisping and reduce the heat if the fat begins to smoke. Once done, transfer the prosciutto to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté Shallots: Add the finely chopped shallot to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 2 to 4 minutes. If the pan seems dry, add about ½ tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
- Simmer Tortellini and Peas: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini, frozen peas, chicken broth, heavy cream, and optional ground nutmeg to the skillet. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini and peas are tender and the sauce slightly thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Crumble the crispy prosciutto over the top just before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the prosciutto and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To add extra richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Use fresh peas if available; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If sauce thickens too much upon standing, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
Keywords: one-pot pasta, tortellini recipe, prosciutto, peas, creamy pasta, quick dinner
