Penne Pasta with Smoked Ham Pepper Cream Sauce

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Penne Pasta with Smoked Ham Pepper Cream Sauce, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luxuriously creamy sauce infused with the smoky, savory notes of julienned ham, this recipe takes comfort food to the next level. Sweet red and green bell peppers add vibrant color and crunch, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese lends a rich, velvety finish. A hint of freshly cracked black pepper elevates the dish, perfectly balancing the creamy texture with a subtle kick. Serve this easy-to-make, restaurant-quality meal topped with fresh parsley for a pop of freshness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this pasta is ideal for busy cooks seeking gourmet flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for lovers of creamy pasta recipes, smoked meat dishes, or quick yet satisfying meals!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 200 grams smoked ham
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 units garlic cloves
• 1 unit red bell pepper
• 1 unit green bell pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 4 liters water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the other ingredients. Mince the garlic cloves, julienne the smoked ham, and dice the red and green bell peppers into small pieces.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Stir in the julienned smoked ham and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.

Step 7

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with salt as needed.

Step 8

Mix the cooked penne pasta into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 9

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a little more cracked black pepper if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5315.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3257.9

Total Fat 159.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 518mg	0%
Sodium 5355.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 312.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.8g	0%
Total Sugars 8.4g
Protein 133.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1199.1mg	0%
Iron 18.3mg	0%
Potassium 2143.4mg	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: 44.6%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 38.8%