You’ll love this one-pot tortellini dish that serves up a weeknight dinner featuring prosciutto and peas, which has been a beloved Italian staple for centuries. Inspired by the goddess of beauty, tortellini combines salty, crispy prosciutto with sweet peas for a well-rounded meal. You’ll need just a few ingredients, including cheese tortellini, chicken broth, olive oil, diced onion, and frozen peas, then simmer everything together – want to know how to bring it all together?
History
You might be surprised to learn that tortellini, a staple of Italian cuisine, has its roots in medieval times. This Italian origins story begins with Medieval trade, where merchants would travel along the Po River, exchanging goods and ideas. It’s believed that tortellini was inspired by the navel of Venus, the goddess of beauty, as depicted in a famous painting. The ring-shaped pasta was likely created to honor her, and its filling was meant to represent her belly button. Over time, tortellini spread throughout Italy, becoming a beloved dish in many regions. Today, it remains a popular choice for special occasions and everyday meals alike.
Recipe
This one-pot wonder is a quick and easy solution for a weeknight dinner blues. With the addition of prosciutto and peas, this tortellini dish is elevated to a whole new level. The salty, crispy prosciutto pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peas, making this a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Elevate your weeknight dinner with a salty, crispy, and sweet twist on a classic tortellini dish.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s all made in one pot, which means less cleanup for you! Simply add all the ingredients to the pot, stir, and let the magic happen. You’ll be sitting down to a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in no time:
- 1 (9 oz) package of cheese tortellini
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 slices of prosciutto, diced
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced prosciutto and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the chicken broth, tortellini, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if using.
When cooking this dish, make sure to not overcrowd the pot, as this can cause the tortellini to stick together. Also, if using frozen peas, make sure to thaw them first by running them under cold water. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming mushy.
The Full Ingredient List
The full ingredient list for this one-pot Tortellini With Prosciutto and Peas recipe includes a carefully curated selection of ingredients that work together in harmony. You’ll notice we’ve opted for high-quality ingredients that not only taste great but also offer impressive health benefits.
- Fresh peas provide a burst of sweetness and a good dose of vitamin C.
- Prosciutto adds a salty, savory flavor and a satisfying crunch, all while being a good source of protein and antioxidants.
- Olive oil brings everything together, adding a silky texture and a wealth of heart-healthy fats.
Cooking Steps
You’ll start by heating olive oil slowly in the pot. Next, you’ll add aromatics, followed by crispy prosciutto and chicken, cooking until the chicken is browned. Then, you’ll add a generous amount of white wine to the pot, setting the stage for the rest of the dish to come together.
Step 1. Heat Olive Oil Slowly
Heat the olive oil in a large pot set to medium heat, watching it slowly come to life as it warms up. This step is essential for temperature control, which directly affects nutrient retention in your dish. By heating the oil slowly, you prevent it from reaching its smoke point, thereby preserving the delicate flavors and nutrients of the ingredients.
| Temperature | Nutrient Retention | Cooking Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Medium | High | Delicate flavors preserved |
| Medium-High | Medium | Balanced flavors achieved |
| High | Low | Nutrients lost, flavors burnt |
| Very Low | Very High | Insufficient cooking occurs |
| Uncontrolled | Unpredictable | Unbalanced flavors result |
Add Aromatics to Pot
Add sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally as they soften and release their aromatic flavors. You’re building on aromatic traditions that elevate dishes from ordinary to exceptional. As the onions and garlic meld together, you’ll notice the pot innovations taking shape. The sizzling sounds and enticing aromas will tantalize your senses, making your mouth water in anticipation. Continue stirring until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, then you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 3. Add Prosciutto to Pot
As the onions and garlic reach their ideal state, the savory essence of prosciutto is ready to be released. Add 6 slices of prosciutto to the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using serrano ham or pancetta for a similar flavor profile.
| Prosciutto Type | Flavor Profile | Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Thinly sliced | Salty, nutty | Pair with sweet peas and creamy tortellini |
| Thick-cut | Smoky, savory | Pair with bold flavors like garlic and onions |
| Cured with herbs | Earthy, aromatic | Pair with fresh herbs like parsley and basil |
| Smoked prosciutto | Rich, intense | Pair with rich sauces like carbonara |
Step 4. Add Chicken to Pot
Now that the onions and garlic have reached their ideal state, and the savory essence of prosciutto has been released, you’re ready to introduce the protein component. Add 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot, depending on your desired Chicken Variations. You can use thighs or tenderloins for a different flavor profile. As the chicken cooks, it’ll absorb the rich flavors of the prosciutto and aromatics, providing a Nutritional Boost to your meal. Break the chicken into bite-sized pieces as it cooks, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Step 5. Add White Wine Generously
With the chicken cooking and absorbing the flavors, you can pour in a generous amount of white wine, letting it simmer and reduce slightly, intensifying the flavors. This step allows the wine to meld with the dish, creating a rich and savory taste experience. Wine has been a staple in cooking, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine, for centuries. It’s an integral part of Wine Culture, where meals are savored and enjoyed with family and friends.
| Wine Benefits | Wine Culture |
|---|---|
| Enhances flavors | Brings people together |
| Adds depth to dish | Creates memorable experiences |
Final Thoughts
You’ve reached the end of this recipe, and you should be proud of yourself for cooking a delicious one-pot tortellini with prosciutto and peas. As you savor each bite, think about the personal stories you’ll create around this dish. Maybe it’ll become a staple for family gatherings or a comforting meal after a long day. Whatever the occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Now, think about future ideas to experiment with. Will you add other vegetables or proteins to make it your own? The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to hear about your creations!
