Creamy

Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Bake

Name: Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) penne pasta; 6 slices of prosciutto, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 cups (220g) shredded mozzarella cheese

By Marcus Vanover · June 19, 2026 · Creamy

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Bake — Golden, bubbly, creamy pasta bake

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake, fresh out of the oven. For me, it's a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. My Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Bake is a recipe that's been perfected over the years, with layers of flavor and a satisfying crunch from the prosciutto.

I remember learning to cook pasta from my grandmother, who would spend hours in the kitchen, meticulously preparing each ingredient and technique. Her passion for cooking has been passed down to me, and I'm excited to share this recipe with you. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of creamy sauce, crispy prosciutto, and al dente pasta. It's a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it's relatively easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be enjoying a delicious, comforting meal in no time.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's also a great dish to make ahead of time, as it can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. So, whether you're cooking for one or a crowd, my Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Bake is sure to please.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through each step, from preparing the ingredients to baking the final dish. I'll also share some tips and tricks I've learned along the way, so you can achieve the perfect creamy pasta bake every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a comforting, creamy dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
The combination of prosciutto, pasta, and sauce creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
It's a versatile recipe that can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
It's a great way to use up leftover pasta and prosciutto.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great pasta bake is in the layers of flavor. By combining the richness of prosciutto, the creaminess of the sauce, and the texture of the pasta, we create a dish that's both satisfying and delicious. The prosciutto adds a salty, savory element that complements the pasta perfectly, while the sauce brings everything together.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By cooking the pasta al dente and then finishing it in the sauce, we create a dish that's both creamy and textured. The starches in the pasta help to thicken the sauce, creating a rich and velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

Finally, the baking process is what brings everything together. The heat from the oven helps to melt the cheese and crisp the prosciutto, creating a golden, bubbly crust that's both beautiful and delicious. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a creamy prosciutto pasta bake that's sure to impress.

So, what makes this recipe work? It's the combination of flavors, textures, and techniques that come together to create a dish that's both comforting and delicious. Whether you're a pasta lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, my Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Bake is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great pasta bake, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. For this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including pasta, prosciutto, and a creamy sauce. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final dish.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the prosciutto. Look for thinly sliced prosciutto that's been cured to perfection. You'll also need a good quality pasta, such as penne or fusilli, that will hold up well to the creamy sauce.

12 oz (340g) penne pastaChoose a high-quality pasta that will hold up well to the creamy sauce. Penne or fusilli work well for this recipe.
6 slices of prosciutto, thinly slicedLook for prosciutto that's been cured to perfection and is thinly sliced. This will help it to crisp up nicely in the oven.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterUse high-quality butter for the best flavor. You can also use salted butter if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the amount of salt you add to the dish.
1 medium onion, dicedChoose a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the amount you add to the dish.
1 cup (250ml) heavy creamUse high-quality heavy cream for the best flavor. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the amount of cream you add to the dish.
1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheeseChoose a high-quality Parmesan cheese that's been aged to perfection. You can also use other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino or Romano, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilUse fresh or dried basil for the best flavor. You can also use other herbs, such as oregano or thyme, if you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use table salt if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the amount you add to the dish.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use pre-ground pepper if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the amount you add to the dish.
2 cups (220g) shredded mozzarella cheeseChoose a high-quality mozzarella cheese that's been aged to perfection. You can also use other cheeses, such as cheddar or provolone, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Bake

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panLarge pot for boiling pastaColander or strainerInstant-read thermometer9x13 inch baking dishCheese grater or food processorSharp chef's knife

How to Make Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Bake

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the penne.
3
In a large skillet, cook the prosciutto over medium heat until it's crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the prosciutto from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4
In the same skillet, add the butter and cook over medium heat until it's melted. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it's slightly reduced. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it's melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, creamy sauce, and reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it's well coated, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
7
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of the dish. Top the pasta with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the crispy prosciutto.
8
Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining pasta mixture, then the remaining mozzarella cheese, and finally the remaining prosciutto.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is crispy. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
10
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as freshly grated Parmesan cheese and thinly sliced prosciutto, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
Reserve some pasta water before draining the penne, as you'll need it to achieve a creamy consistency in the sauce.
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.
Consider adding some diced ham or cooked chicken to the pasta mixture for added protein and flavor.
You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, in place of the mozzarella if you prefer.
To make the dish more substantial, consider adding some sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli to the pasta mixture.
If you want a crisper top, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after removing the foil. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can result in a dry and thick sauce.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can cause the cheese to be runny and the flavors to be unbalanced.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as pre-shredded cheese or low-grade prosciutto, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not covering the dish with foil during baking, which can cause the top to burn or become too brown.
Not stirring the sauce enough, which can cause it to be lumpy or uneven.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or cooked chicken to the pasta mixture for added protein and flavor.
Use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, in place of the mozzarella.
Add some sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli to the pasta mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
Use different types of pasta, such as fusilli or farfalle, for a change of pace.
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
Use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half for an even richer and creamier sauce.
Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, on top of the dish before serving for added flavor and color.

What to Serve With Creamy Prosciutto Pasta Bake

This creamy prosciutto pasta bake is perfect for serving as a main course or as a side dish. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad or a side of garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Some other options for serving include a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, or a simple fruit salad for a lighter option. You can also serve the dish with a side of roasted chicken or pork for added protein.

Garlic breadGreen saladSteamed broccoliRoasted chickenGrilled asparagusFruit salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This creamy prosciutto pasta bake can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, let the dish cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is crispy.

When reheating the dish, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the dish to help restore its creamy texture.

One of the benefits of making this dish ahead of time is that it allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set. This results in a dish that's even more flavorful and satisfying than when it's served immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as fusilli or farfalle, in place of the penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is crispy.

Can I use low-fat cream or half-and-half in place of the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream or half-and-half in place of the heavy cream, but keep in mind that it may affect the richness and creaminess of the sauce.

Can I add other ingredients to the pasta mixture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the pasta mixture, such as diced ham or cooked chicken, to add protein and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sauce accordingly to prevent the dish from becoming too dry.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese in place of the freshly grated Parmesan?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese in place of the freshly grated Parmesan, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheating the dish?

To prevent the sauce from separating when reheating the dish, be sure to stir it occasionally and add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half if necessary. You can also try reheating the dish over low heat, whisking constantly, to help restore its creamy texture.

Can I freeze the dish for longer than 2 months?

It's not recommended to freeze the dish for longer than 2 months, as the quality and texture of the pasta and sauce may degrade over time. However, if you do choose to freeze it for longer, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the coldest part of the freezer.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Simply cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then combine it with the sauce and other ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is crispy.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card