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Leftover Ham and Creamy Pasta

Leftover Ham and Creamy Pasta
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A quick and comforting recipe that transforms leftover ham into a creamy, flavorful pasta dish. Featuring a rich sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Adaptable and family-friendly, it uses simple pantry staples to create an indulgent yet easy meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta of choice. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 to 2 minutes, to create an aromatic base for the sauce.
  3. Add Cream and Ham: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the diced leftover ham, allowing it to warm through and blend with the cream’s richness.
  4. Incorporate Cheese and Season: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the ham and cheese.
  5. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, savory flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Use quality cooked ham for the best flavor impact.
  • Cook pasta to al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with the sauce.
  • Maintain a low simmer when heating cream and cheese to avoid curdling.
  • Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce texture and improve sauce adherence.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley just before serving to preserve their bright flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover ham, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, ham pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/leftover-ham-and-creamy-pasta/