Italian Spaghetti with Ham

Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with this rich and creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ham. Featuring tender spaghetti coated in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, this dish is elevated by savory bites of golden ham and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A hint of black pepper and optional red pepper flakes adds subtle heat, while chopped parsley offers a pop of freshness. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a simple yet elegant dinner. Serve this satisfying pasta dish with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for the ultimate Italian dinner experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g spaghetti
• 200 g ham (thinly sliced or diced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 liters water (for boiling)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

While the spaghetti cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Stir in the ham and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to turn slightly golden.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 7

Season the sauce with black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add the spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.

Step 9

If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the dish, along with fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine.

Step 11

Serve the spaghetti warm, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	901.9 grams (901.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2028

Total Fat 119.70g	153%
Saturated Fat 56.70g	284%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 329mg	110%
Sodium 5805mg	252%
Total Carbohydrate 133.30g	48%
Dietary Fiber 8.00g	29%
Total Sugars 7.40g
Protein 78.90g	158%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 649mg	50%
Iron 9mg	49%
Potassium 888mg	19%

*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: 55.9%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 27.7%