Cream and ham pasta: creamy, quick and irresistible!
When time is tight and hunger pangs set in, there is one dish that brings everyone together: cream and ham pasta. Creamy, delicate and incredibly simple to prepare, it's the perfect solution for those days when you want something good without spending hours at the stove. But there's more. In addition to being an irresistible comfort food, this recipe is also a great anti-waste idea: 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 can reduce waste in the kitchen with creativity and flavor. Always present on Italian tables, pasta panna e prosciutto is that timeless classic that knows how to win everyone's palate (even the little ones). Perfect for a last-minute dinner, family lunches or pampering after a busy day, this dish reminds you that even simplicity can be surprising.
Ingredients
Materials
- Frying pan
- Cutting board
- Pot
- Knife
Preparation
First, cut the ham into strips.
Melt the butter in a frying pan, brown the garlic (remove the stem), then add the cooked ham and let it season for 3-4 minutes on a gentle heat.
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!
Observations
How to make creamy cream and ham pasta?
To make creamy cream and ham pasta, the secret is to whisk the sauce well directly into the pan with the freshly drained pasta. Adding a little cooking water helps achieve a smoother, velvety texture that perfectly envelops each bite. It's a simple but effective trick to turn a quick dish into a real treat.
Can I use leftover ham?
Of course! Cream and ham pasta is one of the best anti-waste recipes to make with leftover ham. All you need to do is cut it into small pieces and heat it briefly in a pan to give it new life. In just a few minutes you will have a delicious dish, ideal for avoiding food waste without sacrificing taste.
What is the best cream for this recipe?
To make a creamy and well-balanced cream and ham pasta, classic cooking cream is the most commonly used. However, you can opt for a plant-based or lactose-free cream, especially if you are looking for a lighter variant or one suitable for those with intolerances. The important thing is to choose a cream with a good density to bind well with the dressing.
What pasta format is recommended for cream and ham?
Panna e prosciutto pasta goes well with short pasta shapes such as penne, farfalle and fusilli, but tagliatelle is also great if you want a more refined touch. The important thing is to use a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well and enhance the simplicity of the recipe.
Can I add other ingredients to cream and ham pasta?
Yes! Cream and ham pasta is extremely versatile and can be enriched in a thousand ways. You can add truffled mushrooms, peas, sautéed onion or a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Each addition personalizes the dish without distorting its original simplicity.
Is cream and ham pasta suitable for children?
Absolutely. Pasta panna e prosciutto is one of the most beloved dishes for children because of its delicate taste, creamy texture and ease of eating. It is also perfect for those lunches where a quick but nutritious and mouthwatering solution is needed.
Can cream and ham pasta be stored and reheated?
Cream and ham pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for about a day. When reheating it, add a dash of milk or cream to restore creaminess to the dish and prevent it from drying out. Microwaving also works, as long as it is brief and with the right humidity.
Nutrition
- Carbo: 59.7g
- Total fat: 34.7g
- Saturated fat: 22.7g
- Proteins: 30.6g
- Fibers: 2.9g
- Sugar: 3.9g
- ProPoints: 18
- SmartPoints: 24





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