TORTELLINI WITH HAM AND CREAM SAUCE

Tortellini With Ham and Cream Sauce image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 quarts water
Salt to taste if desired
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
1/2 pound cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 pound zucchini, ends trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, about 2 cups
1 1/4 pounds red ripe tomatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, about 3 cups
1 teaspoon finely minced, seeded hot green pepper, optional
1 9-ounce package fresh or dried cheese tortellini
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped scallions

Steps:

Bring the water to a boil and add salt.
Heat the oil in a skillet and add the onion and garlic. Cook briefly until wilted. Add the ham and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook about 5 minutes. Add the pepper and continue cooking about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the tortellini to the boiling water and cook about 5 to 8 minutes or to the desired degree of doneness. Scoop out and reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Drain the tortellini.
Add the reserved 1/4 cup cooking liquid to the sauce, along with the cream and cheese. Stir. Add the tortellini and blend well. Sprinkle with scallions and serve.