Mezzi Rigatoni di Verona

By kaykay • June 18, 2010 • 0 Comments

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Author Notes: Some years ago, there used to be a popular cafe in downtown Palo Alto (CA), Cafe Verona, that served a pasta that inspired this recipe. Unfortunately, the restaurant burned down and was unable to rebuild. This is a very simple dish, but the mozarella plays a staring role, adding creaminess. The twist is that the spices from the marinade add a zing. Ask the deli counter to cut the proscuitto into thick slices for you (about 1/8 inch). - kaykay

Serves 4

1 pound mezzi rigatoni or rigatoni
1/2 pound prosciutto, thick cut and cut into 1/4 inch x 3/4 to 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup low salt chicken broth
1/3 cup white wine
10 ounces marinated mozarella (braided), coursely chopped
chopped italian parsley or capers
parmesan cheese

Cook rigatoni in amply salted water to al dente per package instructions. Drain, but do not rinse.
In a large saucepan, ideally 3-4 inches deep, saute prosciutto over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
Add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
Add chicken broth, wine, and rigatoni. Stir.
Stir in chopped mozarella and cover for 2-3 minutes. Stir until mozarella is melted.
Season generously with ground black pepper. Season with salt to taste.
If desired, sprinkle with chopped Italian parsley or capers and freshly grated parmiagiano reggiano.