Description
Comforting creamy ham cheese pasta brings Italian-inspired richness to weeknight dinner tables. Melted cheese and tender ham create a luscious sauce that wraps you in warmth with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Cheese:
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) diced cooked ham
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pasta and Thickeners:
- 300 g (10 ounces) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Aromatics and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) milk
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil a generously salted water reservoir and submerge pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture, maintaining a slight firmness. Preserve a half cup of starchy liquid before straining.
- Activate a skillet with a harmonious blend of butter and olive oil over moderate heat. Introduce diced ham and caramelize for several minutes until edges transform into a golden-brown landscape.
- Cascade heavy cream into the skillet and allow a gentle simmer to develop. Awaken the flavor profile by integrating garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, cracked pepper, and Italian herb blend.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, whisking methodically until the sauce metamorphoses into a velvety, uniform consistency. Fold in frozen green peas and heat until they radiate warmth throughout the mixture.
- Transfer cooked pasta into the creamy realm, gently tumbling to ensure each strand becomes thoroughly enrobed. Should the sauce appear overly dense, strategically introduce reserved pasta water to achieve an ideal, silky texture.
- Elevate the dish with a delicate shower of freshly chopped parsley. Present piping hot, accompanied by crisp garlic bread or a vibrant garden salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Pasta Selection Matters: Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini that capture the creamy sauce better than long noodles.
- Ham Swap Options: Use bacon, pancetta, or rotisserie chicken as delicious protein alternatives for different flavor profiles.
- Cream Sauce Rescue: If sauce breaks or separates, lower heat and whisk continuously while adding a splash of cold pasta water to stabilize.
- Dietary Modifications: Make this gluten-free by using alternative pasta, or create a lighter version with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg