Description
This Creamy Mushroom & Ham Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, filled with savory ham and earthy mushrooms. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Origin
Inspired by classic Italian creamy pasta dishes, this recipe combines the umami richness of mushrooms, the smoky depth of ham, and a velvety Parmesan sauce for a meal that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or tagliatelle)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1½ cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or shiitake)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms & Ham:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, and sauté until softened (2 minutes).
- Stir in mushrooms, cooking until golden brown (4–5 minutes).
- Add diced ham and cook for 2 more minutes to warm through.
3. Make the Cream Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream and milk.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine & Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Tips for Success
- For extra depth, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine before adding the cream.
- Use pancetta instead of ham for an Italian twist.
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light cream for a lower-calorie version.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it should still have a bite for the best texture.
Recommendations
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days (reheat with a splash of milk).
- Add spinach or peas for a fresh, colorful touch.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 500
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
This Creamy Mushroom & Ham Pasta is a simple yet decadent dish that brings comfort to every bite! ✨
