Renowned television cook Mary Berry has long been celebrated for her straightforward, approachable recipes that simplify home cooking. Among her extensive collection, a particular 15-minute pasta dish has emerged as a standout favourite, praised for its speed, simplicity, and crowd-pleasing appeal. This recipe offers a delicious solution for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, requiring just seven basic ingredients that many households already stock.
Why This Pasta Recipe Stands Out
Mary Berry herself champions this pasta supper as a reliable standby, noting its universal appeal. She describes it as "so delicious, so quick, and everyone loves it," highlighting its versatility for everyday family dinners or casual supper parties. The dish combines a rich crème fraîche-based sauce with crispy Parma ham, creating layers of flavour and texture that elevate a simple meal into something special.
Key Features and Benefits
This recipe is designed with practicality in mind. It serves six people, making it ideal for larger families or entertaining, and is both nut-free and pregnancy-friendly, catering to various dietary needs. The entire preparation and cooking process takes only 15 minutes, utilising ingredients like penne pasta, Parma ham, chestnut mushrooms, crème fraîche, Parmesan, parsley, and seasonings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To recreate Mary Berry's signature pasta, follow this detailed method:
- Boil salted water and cook 350g of penne pasta according to package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Heat a frying pan until hot. Add two 80g packs of Parma ham, snipped into small pieces, and fry until crispy. Reserve half on a plate for later.
- Add 250g of halved or quartered small brown chestnut mushrooms to the pan and fry for two minutes.
- Stir in 200g of full-fat crème fraîche and bring to a boil.
- Combine the cooked pasta, 100g of grated Parmesan, and two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley with the sauce. Toss over heat, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix in the reserved crispy Parma ham before serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
Mary Berry recommends serving this pasta with a fresh green salad and crunchy bread to complete the meal. For those opting for reduced-fat crème fraîche, a crucial adjustment is needed: stir it through at the end of cooking to prevent splitting, rather than adding it earlier with the mushrooms. This ensures a smooth, creamy consistency without compromising flavour.
Shared on BBC Food, this recipe exemplifies Mary Berry's talent for creating accessible, flavour-packed dishes that resonate with home cooks. Its combination of ease, speed, and deliciousness makes it a go-to option for anyone seeking a reliable meal that delights both family and guests alike.
