Penne with Parmesan Cream and Prosciutto

Directions

1. 1.

   Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 375°F.

2. 2.

   Bring cream, 1 1/2 cups cheese, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt just to a boil in a small heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

3. 3.

   Cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water, until al dente, then drain in a colander. Return pasta to pot, then stir in parmesan cream and prosciutto, tossing to coat. Transfer mixture to a 2-quart shallow flameproof gratin or baking dish (about 11 by 8 by 2 inches; not glass) and bake 15 minutes.

4. 4.

   Stir pasta well to coat evenly with sauce, then sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cheese.

5. 5.

   Turn on broiler and broil pasta 4 to 5 inches from heat until top is lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.