Parmesan Ham and Spinach Pasta
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Parmesan Ham and Spinach Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring tender spaghetti coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe gets a hearty twist with savory diced ham and a healthy boost from fresh, wilted baby spinach. With a hint of garlic and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, every bite is bursting with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal combines gourmet taste with effortless preparation, making it a go-to comfort food favorite. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for that finishing touch of elegance.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Spaghetti (or your choice of pasta)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Cooked ham, diced
- 6 cups Baby spinach
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it warm through for 1-2 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
763 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.4 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.5 g | 128% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 144 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 2243 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 43.2 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 749 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 274 mg | 6% | |
*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.
