Ham and Cheese Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate weeknight comfort food with this rich and creamy Ham and Cheese Pasta. Tender penne pasta is coated in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce loaded with melty cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, perfectly complemented by savory bites of diced ham. This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 30 minutes, is perfect for busy evenings yet indulgent enough to impress guests. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that ties it all together. Whether you're craving a cozy family dinner or need a dish to wow at a potluck, this ham and cheese pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Keywords: ham and cheese pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, quick pasta dish, comfort food with ham.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Add the diced ham to the skillet and stir it into the cream sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm the ham through.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked, drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat all the pasta in the creamy ham and cheese sauce.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
819 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.9 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.9 g | 179% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 194 mg | 65% | |
| Sodium | 1619 mg | 70% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.3 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 32.7 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 543 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 197 mg | 4% | |
*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.
