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.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the diced or sliced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and heat through.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1260.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3073.0

Total Fat 198.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 111.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 592.5mg	0%
Sodium 8900.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.8g	0%
Total Sugars 7.9g
Protein 157.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2690.2mg	0%
Iron 3.9mg	0%
Potassium 997.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.0%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 18.8%