Mary Berry, renowned for her versatile and approachable cooking style, has once again made home cooking easier with her 15-minute creamy penne pasta. This quick and delicious dish has won the hearts of many home cooks looking for a hassle-free yet impressive meal for busy weeknights or informal supper parties.
According to Mary, this pasta is her go-to meal because it’s both quick to make and packed with flavor that appeals to the whole family. Featuring a rich crème fraîche sauce paired with crispy Parma ham, it combines creamy textures and savory crunch for a truly satisfying experience.
The recipe, which serves six and caters to nut-free and pregnancy-safe dietary needs, uses only seven common ingredients and comes together in just three simple steps:
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- Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a hot frying pan, crisp half the Parma ham and set it apart. Sauté mushrooms in the same pan for two minutes, then add crème fraîche and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta, Parmesan, and parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper. Fold in the reserved crispy ham.
- Serve hot, ideally with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a balanced meal.
Mary advises those using reduced-fat crème fraîche to add it at the end to prevent the sauce from separating. For a special touch on celebratory occasions, she recommends adding asparagus tips during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and flavor.
This recipe perfectly encapsulates Mary Berry’s philosophy: quick, simple, and delicious home cooking that doesn’t compromise on taste.