Smoked Ham and Mushroom Pasta with Cheese Sauce (36 Minutes)

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Here’s a rich and satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of smoked ham and earthy mushrooms with a creamy cheese sauce. This dish is versatile, allowing you to choose your favorite type of pasta to pair with these delicious elements.

Topped with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this pasta dish is perfect for a comforting dinner at home. The cheese sauce adds a smooth and velvety texture, enveloping the pasta, ham, and mushrooms in a delightful blend of flavors. Yum!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 26 minutes
  • Total Time: 36 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • Your choice of pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
  • 1 cup smoked ham, chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta (10-12 minutes): Prepare your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Ham and Mushrooms (5-7 minutes): Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ham and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms are tender and the ham is slightly browned.
  3. Cook Onion and Garlic (3-5 minutes): Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce (5-7 minutes): Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Gradually add the grated cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine with Pasta (2-3 minutes): Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ham, mushrooms, and cheese sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
  6. Garnish and Serve (1-2 minutes): Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a serving platter, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

To perfect this dish, it’s important to consider how the flavors and textures will blend together. The choice of cheese is crucial; select one that not only melts well but also complements the smoky flavor of the ham. A mix of cheeses can add a delightful complexity to the sauce.

When it comes to pasta, opt for a type that holds onto the sauce well, such as penne or fettuccine, to fully enjoy the creamy texture. The thickness of the cheese sauce can be adjusted to your liking.  Feel free to add more cream to thin it out or more cheese to thicken it.

Serving this dish with a light salad or some steamed vegetables can help balance out the overall richness. Enjoy your delicious meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Breadsticks

To whip up a batch of garlic breadsticks, start with a basic dough mixture of flour, water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth and let it rise until doubled. Once risen, divide the dough into even portions and roll each into the classic breadstick shape. Place them on a baking sheet with a little space in between. While they take a short rest, melt some butter and mix in minced garlic, a touch of salt, and perhaps some chopped parsley for a fresh twist. Brush this delightful garlic butter mixture over the top of each breadstick. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden brown and emit that irresistible garlic aroma. Once out of the oven, give them another quick brush with the remaining garlic butter for good measure.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Start by preheating your oven to 375. Halve your Brussels sprouts and spread them out on a baking tray. A good glug of olive oil ensures they roast up nice and crispy. Season them with a bit of salt, and if you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of black pepper or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick. Into the oven they go, and in no time, they'll come out caramelized, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Simple Tossed Salad

Start by tearing your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a cool and crunchy base. Thinly slice a red onion, adding a pop of color and a zesty kick. For a refreshing crunch, slice up some cucumber, and for a sweet contrast, add in slivers of red pepper. Once your components are prepped and in the bowl, give everything a good toss, ensuring the ingredients are mixed and every bite will have a little bit of everything. For a simple dressing, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the top, adding a burst of citrusy brightness.

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