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5.0 from 45 votes

Penne al Baffo

Penne al Baffo is a creamy and comforting pasta made with ham and al dente pasta tossed in a tomato-based pink cream sauce. 

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 776 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion
  • 8 ounces deli ham cubed, can use leftover cooked ham
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup passata (puree) or blended plum tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons parsley minced
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water use if the sauce gets too dry

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
  2. Heat a large pan to medium heat and saute the onions in the butter and olive oil until soft (about 3 minutes). Add the ham and cook for a couple of minutes.
  3. At this time begin cooking the pasta to 1 minute less than al dente.
  4. Add the passata to the pan and bring the sauce to a simmer. After about 5 minutes of cooking the sauce, add the cream and continue to gently simmer, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the not quite fully cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix well or toss to coat. Cook until the pasta reaches just al dente. If too dry add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the parsley. Taste test and adjust salt and pepper to taste. At this time you could mix in some Parmigiano or just serve as is with grated cheese on the table. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Some recipes use shallot but onion works great.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano can be mixed into the sauce right before serving or just serve on the side.
  • Any type of cooked ham will work.  Can also use prosciutto, pancetta, guanciale, etc.
  • Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories 776kcal (39%) Carbohydrates 94.5g (32%) Protein 25.2g (50%) Fat 34.3g (53%) Saturated Fat 13.7g (69%) Cholesterol 89mg (30%) Sodium 793mg (33%) Potassium 227mg (6%) Fiber 6.2g (25%) Sugar 5.2g (10%) Calcium 41mg (4%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 776

% Daily Value*

Calories 776kcal 39%
Carbohydrates 94.5g 32%
Protein 25.2g 50%
Fat 34.3g 53%
Saturated Fat 13.7g 69%
Cholesterol 89mg 30%
Sodium 793mg 33%
Potassium 227mg 5%
Fiber 6.2g 25%
Sugar 5.2g 10%
Calcium 41mg 4%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.