Pasta with cream and ham: creamy, quick and irresistible!

Name: Pasta with cream and ham: creamy, quick and irresistible!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (we use ridged penne); 3/4 cup cooking cream; 7 oz cooked ham (cut into strips or cubes); 1.5 oz butter; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic; black pepper to taste

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Main Dish

Very Easy

17 min

683 Kcal

When time is short and hunger strikes, there’s one dish that brings everyone together: pasta with cream and ham. Creamy, delicate and incredibly easy to prepare, it’s the perfect solution for those days when you want something delicious without spending hours at the stove. But there’s more. As well as being an irresistible comfort food, this recipe is also a great way to avoid food waste: how many times have you found a few slices of leftover cooked ham in the fridge? Here’s the perfect opportunity to turn it into a tasty and satisfying dish that helps reduce kitchen waste with creativity and flavor. A fixture on Italian tables, pasta with cream and ham is a timeless classic that wins over everyone’s palate (even the little ones). Perfect for a last-minute dinner, a family lunch or a comforting meal after a busy day, this dish reminds you that even simple food can be surprising.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (we use ridged penne)
3/4 cup cooking cream
7 oz cooked ham (cut into strips or cubes)
1.5 oz butter
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
black pepper to taste

Materials

Frying pan
Cutting board
Pot
Knife

Preparation

Preparation5 min

Cook time12 min

First, cut the ham into strips.
Melt the butter in a frying pan, brown the garlic (after removing the germ), then add the cooked ham and let it cook gently for 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water.
Remove the garlic from the pan, add the cream, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking over low heat for a couple of minutes.
Drain the pasta al dente, transfer it directly to the pan with the sauce and save the cooking water.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well blended. Use the cooking water to adjust the creaminess.
The cream and ham pasta is ready!

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FAQ ❓

How do you make creamy pasta with cream and ham?

The secret to making creamy pasta with cream and ham is to toss the sauce and freshly drained pasta together well in the pan. Adding a little cooking water helps create a smooth, velvety texture that coats every bite. It’s a simple but effective trick to turn a quick dish into a real treat.

Can I use leftover cooked ham?

Of course! Pasta with cream and ham is one of the best ways to use leftover cooked ham. Just cut it into small pieces and heat it briefly in a pan to give it a new lease of life. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish that helps avoid food waste without sacrificing flavor.

What kind of cream is best for this recipe?

Classic cooking cream is the most commonly used choice for a creamy, well-balanced pasta with cream and ham. However, you can use plant-based or lactose-free cream, especially if you’re looking for a lighter option or one suitable for people with intolerances. The important thing is to choose a thick cream that will bind well with the sauce.

Which pasta shapes work best with cream and ham?

Pasta with cream and ham pairs perfectly with short shapes such as penne, farfalle and fusilli. Tagliatelle is also a great choice if you want a more refined touch. The important thing is to use pasta that holds the creamy sauce well and complements the simplicity of the recipe.

Can I add other ingredients to pasta with cream and ham?

Yes! Pasta with cream and ham is extremely versatile and can be dressed up in many ways. You can add sautéed mushrooms, peas, sautéed onion or a generous sprinkling of Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor. Each addition personalizes the dish without taking away from its original simplicity.

Is pasta with cream and ham suitable for children?

Absolutely. Pasta with cream and ham is one of children’s favorite dishes because of its delicate flavor, creamy texture and ease of eating. It’s also perfect for lunches when you need something quick, nutritious and tasty.

Can pasta with cream and ham be stored and reheated?

Pasta with cream and ham can be stored in the refrigerator for about a day. When reheating it, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess and keep it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave; just keep the heating time short and add enough moisture.

Nutrition

for 1 serving / for 100 g

Calories: 683Kcal

Carbo: 59.6g
Total fat: 34.6g
Saturated fat: 22.8g
Proteins: 25.7g
Fibers: 2.9g
Sugar: 3.8g
ProPoints: 18
SmartPoints: 25

Nutritional information for 1 serving (226g)

Cookware

burner

Attributes

Keep refrigerated

Zero waste

PetitChef_Official

Questions

What kind of cream do you use? cereal cream? Table cream? Whipping cream? You need to be more specific.

Use classic cooking cream for a creamy, well-balanced sauce. You can also choose plant-based or lactose-free cream if you prefer a lighter or allergy-friendly option. Just pick a cream with good density to bind the sauce perfectly.

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Daniele Mainieri

Every day, I dive into the world of food and wine with curiosity, always looking for new flavours, recipes and inspiring discoveries to share. From traditional family dishes to the latest food trends, including pairings that make all the difference. I’ve been working in food & wine communication for over 10 years and I’m currently the Editorial Manager for the Italian edition of Petitchef.

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