Mary Berry's Parma ham and pimento penne is a quick and simple pasta dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The recipe serves four people and is both egg and nut-free, offering a tasty meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The dish requires 275g penne pasta, six to seven slices of Parma ham cut into small pieces, one tablespoon of olive oil, four finely chopped spring onions, 150g roasted red peppers in oil from a jar (drained and chopped), one large crushed garlic clove, 200g crème fraiche, a 30g packet each of flat-leaf parsley and basil (leaves roughly chopped), 30g finely grated Parmesan, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Mary recommends using the entire packet of Parma ham, which typically contains six to seven slices. For those who prefer an alternative, thin rashers of streaky bacon or ham can be substituted. To save additional time, kitchen scissors can be used to snip the spring onions.
Method
Begin by cooking the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water. Place a large frying pan over high heat and fry the Parma ham for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add oil to the pan along with the spring onions, peppers, and garlic. Fry for two minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the crème fraiche and bring to a simmer. Add the drained pasta along with half of the crispy ham, the majority of the herbs, and seasoning. Stir over the heat until thoroughly warmed through. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and a little of the reserved cooking water if the sauce appears too thick. Scatter the remaining ham and herbs on top to serve.
Feedback and Tips
Mary Berry's recipe has garnered favourable feedback from those who have tried it. The description states: "Mary Berry's easy pasta combines crispy Parma ham, red peppers and fresh herbs." This dish reduces time spent in the kitchen on busy nights while delivering a flavourful meal.
