Indulge in the creamy comfort of Ham with Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender penne or bowtie pasta with savory diced ham in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all brought to life with the rich aroma of sautéed garlic. With minimal prep and just 30 minutes from start to finish, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to this hearty dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you're feeding a family of four or treating yourself to leftovers, this easy pasta dish is sure to become a go-to favorite for its creamy texture, smoky ham, and irresistible cheesy goodness. Serve with a crisp side salad or crusty bread and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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 it aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and heated through.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serving size | 792.4 grams (792.4g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1901 |
Total Fat 123.00g | 158% |
Saturated Fat 58.00g | 290% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
Cholesterol 340mg | 113% |
Sodium 5592mg | 243% |
Total Carbohydrate 100.60g | 37% |
Dietary Fiber 5.80g | 21% |
Total Sugars 5.80g | |
Protein 78.90g | 158% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 596mg | 46% |
Iron 4mg | 23% |
Potassium 718mg | 15% |
Source of Calories