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Leftover Ham and Creamy Pasta

Leftover Ham and Creamy Pasta
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This Leftover Ham and Creamy Pasta recipe is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying way to transform leftover ham into a comforting pasta dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features a rich creamy sauce with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tender pasta that makes busy weeknights easier and delicious. Perfect for reusing leftovers while enjoying a customizable and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 to 1.5 cups leftover ham, diced or shredded
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti), your choice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set pasta aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic and Ham: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the diced leftover ham and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the ham to warm through and develop a slight golden edge.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and ham. Stir gently and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a silky consistency.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy ham sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cook together for another minute to meld the flavors perfectly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use quality leftover ham for deeper flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
  • Add Parmesan cheese gradually to prevent clumping and ensure smooth melting.
  • Simmer cream gently to avoid curdling and keep sauce smooth and velvety.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover ham pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, leftover recipes, creamy ham pasta

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