This rich, creamy, and dreamy Mussel Prosciutto Mascarpone Pasta combines finest Italian ingredients, and it’s perfect for a special occasion (Or just any day).
I hope you’re doing well and enjoying spring. We did enjoy it. For a couple of days. It looks like the season of rains and winds has started here in Nova Scotia. And by rains, I don’t mean those warm rains. These are the cold, autumn, “stay home under the blanket and with a cup of tea” kind of rains. Dear groundhog, we need to talk!
If the weather cituation isn’t too lovely in your area either, you should consider making this Mussel Prosciutto Mascarpone Pasta and celebrate. After all, it’s a bikini season around the corner, and some folks will probably restrain from having such decadent pasta sauces (On a side note, I don’t care for the bikini season and beach, and I’ll eat all the pasta!)
Some time ago I shared a recipe for White Wine Prosciutto Mussels which I prepared for our 13th Anniversary. I also noted that that recipe inspired me to
As soon as I described Andrey the concept of the dish, he agreed. That didn’t happen exactly this way. I was only able to ask something like that: “Would you like having pasta with…” when Andrey interrupted me responding “Of course! Would you make it right away please?” When it comes to the keyword #pasta, Andrey doesn’t need much time to process information. He almost never rejects it either (Well, probably with an exception when pasta and lavender go together in one description, but you won’t judge him, will you? After all, not everyone has a developed palate, right?)
Back to the pasta, though. Imagine this situation: mussels steamed in white wine with garlic and thyme, then combined with smoky prosciutto and decadent mascarpone?
By the way, if you’re looking for more similar ideas, check this Garlic Butter Mussel Pasta and this Creamy Mussel Basil Pasta.
Imagined? Go ahead and make this deliciousness, then! It’s not the time to be worried about the bikini season. Not yet.
If you make this pasta, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share you photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.
See you soon.
Ingredients
- 200-225 gr. spaghetti
- 1 pound fresh mussels
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 70-80 gr. prosciutto, finely cut
- 1 tbsp. fresh thyme + more to garnish
- 1/2 – 2/3 cup mascarpone (For less decadent version, you can take the same amount of low-fat cream cheese)
- salt, optional (Depends on how salty prosciutto is)
- 1/4 cup packed parsley leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- First of all, start with sorting and discarding mussels which are broken or chipped. Note that mussels should be tightly closed. If some of them are open, tap the shell on their hard surface, and if it closes, it’s safe to eat it.
- If the mussels look nice and clean (cultivated mussels are normally clean), you don’t need to soak them. Otherwise, soak the mussels in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Personally, although the mussels I had were clean, I still soaked them for 5 minutes before cleaning.
- Next, scrub the mussels under cold running water and remove the beards (kind of threads or fibres which are easy to remove by grasping and pulling). Drain the clean mussels. Now the mussels are ready to cook.
- Add about 1/2 cup of wine and some water (The liquid should just lightly cover the bottom (about 0,5 cm thick) of the pan. We don’t cook the mussels in liquid – we basically steam it).
- Add the mussels in one – maximum two layers, cover, and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until they are open. The mussels which don’t open should be discarded as well. Remove the mussels from the pan and let slightly cool then remove most of the hard shells reserving few whole mussels for decoration. Reserve al the juices as well.
- Cook the pasta as directed on package in salted water, until al dente. Drain reserving some (up to a cup) water.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the garlic, 5 minutes. Add the prosciutto and thyme and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in the mascarpone and return the cleaned mussels with juice. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mascarpone has incorporated. Try and season with some salt if necessary.
- Combined with the drained pasta and mix, adding some reserved water to thin out the sauce.
- Stir in the parsley and extra thyme and let stand a minute.
- Enjoy!
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
I’d say Andrey has got pretty good taste Ben, this pasta dish looks amazing. I’d gladly tuck into this at the moment because our weather, like yours has dropped in temperature again and I’m back to eating lots of comforting dishes just like this. Love that this includes mussels which are one of my most favourite seafoods!
It’s been rainy here too, but not cold.. which I’m totally fine with! Hopefully warm weather makes its way up to you soon! I’m all about a balanced diet, so I won’t be refraining from pasta or cheese anytime soon! Especially if it looks and sounds THIS delicious! I’m loving the mascarpone in here, Ben! And I’m a HUGE mussels fan, so this pasta is right up my alley! Gimme gimme!!!!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Spicy Mango Margarita
Every time I pop by your blog Ben I find some gorgeous and delicious looking creation I want, no, NEED, to try. This is a combination of such perfect flavours. I also love a good pasta dish on a cold day (or any day, who am I kidding?)
Oh my, Ben! I’d take this pasta over an entire bikini season any day! Lovely and looks delicious!
Wow this is one delicious combo Ben, and I’m with you. Bikini season be damned. Life’s too short. :) Have an awesome week!
Haha! I’m glad you don’t support bikini season, Ben. That would make for a rather odd trip to the beach. :-) This pasta, though? I’m all in! I love how you added mascarpone to make this a creamy pasta dish. I love creamy pasta sauces! And the flavors from the prosciutto and mussels are a great combo here. Pass me a fork, please!
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I decided long ago that I like pasta better than I like bikinis so bikini season isn’t something I really worry about. And that means I can enjoy a big bowl of this! Like Andrey, all I need to hear is “pasta” and I’m in :). Have a great week, Ben!