Penne with Tomato Prosciutto Sauce

A classic Italian pasta dish featuring penne in a rich tomato sauce with premium prosciutto, red onions, and garlic. The sauce is slowly simmered to develop deep flavors and served with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

6 servings
1 hr 42 min

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 6 ounces prosciutto
  • 2 cans Italian plum tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 pound penne rigate
  • 1 to taste Parmigiano-Reggiano

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat oil in a wide heavy medium pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then sauté onion until golden, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until golden, about 1 minute. Add prosciutto and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes with reserved juice, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered, at least 8 hours (to allow flavors to develop).

    75 min

  2. 2.

    Cook penne in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water) until al dente. Drain well.

    12 min

  3. 3.

    While pasta cooks, reheat sauce over medium heat.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Toss pasta with some of sauce in a serving bowl and serve remaining sauce on the side.

    5 min

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