Creamy Pasta with Ham
Indulge in the irresistible richness of Creamy Pasta with Ham—an easy, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, this recipe combines savory bites of ham with the velvety smoothness of Parmesan cheese. A touch of chicken or vegetable broth adds depth, while freshly chopped parsley offers a pop of freshness to brighten each bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending classic flavors with effortless preparation. Serve it piping hot, and watch it disappear from the table! Perfect for pasta lovers searching for a creamy ham pasta recipe or a quick, indulgent dinner idea.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 200 g Ham (diced or thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 cup Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the diced or sliced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and heat through.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Stir well and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, ensuring it thickens slightly.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring, allowing it to fully melt and incorporate into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3073 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.7 g | 255% | |
| Saturated Fat | 111.1 g | 556% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 198% | |
| Sodium | 8901 mg | 387% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.3 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 157.4 g | 315% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2690 mg | 207% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 998 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
