The pasta with cream and ham is one of the most loved dishes by Italian families, perfect for those looking for a quick and easy recipe to prepare. In just a few minutes, with only a few ingredients like pasta, cooked ham, and cream, you can create a creamy and delicious first course that will win everyone over, from children to adults. Ideal for an impromptu dinner or to use up leftovers in the fridge, this recipe is a true meal saver that never goes out of style.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 11 oz Pasta
- 5 slices Cooked ham
- Onion (White or shallot)
- 1 cup Cream (for cooking)
- to taste Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- to taste Parmesan cheese
Tools
- 1 Pan
- 1 Pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Grater
Preparation
Put a pot with plenty of salted water on the stove and bring to a boil. Add the pasta (I recommend short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle) and cook according to the package instructions.
Short pasta better retains the creaminess of the sauce, creating a more flavorful dish.In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the finely chopped onion (white or shallot, depending on preference). Sauté over medium-low heat.
The sautéed onion gives a delicate aroma and a richer flavor to the dish.Add the diced cooked ham to the pan with the onion. If you prefer, you can use a thick slice of cooked ham and cut it into cubes. Sauté for a few minutes, until golden.
The sautéed cooked ham enhances its flavor, enriching the dish.Pour the cream into the pan and stir to combine all the ingredients. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside to prevent the cream from reducing too much.
The cream creates a creamy texture that perfectly coats the pasta, making the dish soft and rich.Drain the pasta al dente and transfer it directly into the pan with the sauce. Mix well over moderate heat, adding, if necessary, a bit of pasta cooking water to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.
The pasta cooking water contains starch, which helps to better bind the sauce.Plate and add a grind of black pepper and grated Parmesan to taste. The dish is ready to be served!
Tips
Use short pasta for better sauce cling.
If you like a more pronounced flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream.
You can add prosciutto for a richer, more flavorful touch.
Notes
If the cream reduces too much, just add a little pasta cooking water to restore the creaminess.
For a more nutritious dish, you can enrich it with peas or a bit of crumbled sausage.
Variations
Pasta with peas: add peas (already cooked or frozen) to the pan with the ham and onion. Their sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the cream.
Pasta with sausage: replace the cooked ham with crumbled sausage. Sauté it with onion for a more pronounced flavor.
Can I use non-dairy cream for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the cooking cream with a non-dairy version for a lactose-free alternative.
Can I prepare the pasta in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and mix it with the freshly cooked pasta. Alternatively, store the sauce separately and mix with the pasta when ready.
What type of pasta is best to use?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use long pasta if you prefer.
The pasta with cream and ham is a dish that never disappoints. Easy to prepare, tasty, and always appreciated, it is the ideal choice for those who have little time but do not want to give up on a rich and satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion!
