Description
Comfort meets elegance in this creamy ham cheese pasta, blending hearty proteins with silky sauce. Packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, this dish promises a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) diced cooked ham
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it reaches a tender yet firm texture. Carefully drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid, and set aside.
- In a spacious skillet, melt butter with a touch of olive oil over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aroma.
- Add minced garlic and quickly stir, allowing the fragrant notes to permeate the kitchen. Gently fold in diced ham, cooking until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.
- Dust the ham and onion mixture with flour, stirring thoroughly to create an even coating. Allow the mixture to cook briefly, eliminating any raw flour undertones.
- Slowly introduce milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and gradually thicken, creating a velvety smooth base.
- Incorporate an array of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan – stirring until they melt completely and integrate seamlessly into the sauce. Pour in heavy cream for an extra luxurious touch.
- Season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper, salt, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Taste and adjust the seasoning to achieve a perfect flavor balance.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the rich, cheesy mixture.
- For a golden, crispy finish, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, crown with an additional layer of cheese, and bake until the top becomes beautifully bronzed and bubbling.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan. Serve immediately, accompanied by a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini that trap the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- Opt for high-quality ham like Black Forest or honey-roasted for a more complex and rich taste profile in the dish.
- When making the sauce, keep whisking constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, and use lean ham to reduce overall calories without compromising taste.
- Can easily convert this recipe to a gluten-free option by using gluten-free flour for the roux and choosing gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Cheese selection matters – mix sharp cheddar with mild mozzarella for a balanced, creamy flavor that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, and quickly reheated with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg