Linguine with Ham and Cheese Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Linguine with Ham and Cheese Sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines tender linguine pasta with a velvety cheese sauce made from a perfect blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan cheese. Diced ham adds a savory, protein-packed twist, while sautéed garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth. A touch of fresh parsley provides a pop of brightness, tying it all together beautifully. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes, this satisfying pasta dish will please the entire family. Keywords: linguine, ham and cheese sauce, creamy pasta recipe, quick weeknight dinner, easy comfort food recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1.5 cups ham, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set the ham aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.

Step 8

Add the cooked ham to the cheese sauce and stir to combine evenly.

Step 9

Toss the cooked linguine with the cheese and ham sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta cooking water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 10

Serve the linguine immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1429.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2837.4

Total Fat 136.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 652.2mg	0%
Sodium 9089.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 209.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.1g	0%
Total Sugars 36.7g
Protein 188.9g	0%

Vitamin D 238.7IU	0%
Calcium 2414.2mg	0%
Iron 16.2mg	0%
Potassium 2486.8mg	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: 43.5%

Protein: 26.8%

Carbs: 29.7%