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!

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

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/smoked-ham-and-mushroom-pasta-with-cheese-sauce-36-minutes/