Are you craving a quick, delicious meal that combines creamy goodness, hearty protein, and nutritious greens in just 30 minutes? Look no further! This Easy Creamy Ham Broccoli Pasta is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, surrounded by tender broccoli and savory ham, all embraced by a luxuriously smooth cream sauce that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of diced ham, 1 cup of cream, and 1/2 cup of grated cheese. Ensure you have a large pot, a colander, and a skillet ready for cooking.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water to season it.
- Add the 8 oz of pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. If not pre-washed, rinse the 2 cups of broccoli florets under cold water. You can steam them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp, or you can add them to the boiling pasta for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander. Set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced ham to the pot. Sauté the ham for about 2-3 minutes until it is heated through and slightly browned.
- Pour in the 1 cup of cream into the pot with the ham. Stir well to combine and allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the cream thicken slightly.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot with the creamy ham sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are well coated in the sauce.
- If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated cheese, mixing until it melts and combines well with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Serve the creamy ham broccoli pasta hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a smoother, silkier sauce and can help adjust the consistency if needed.
- Don't Overcook the Broccoli: Keep your broccoli bright green and crisp-tender. Overcooking will make it mushy and dull the vibrant color.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness.
- Ham Hack: For extra flavor, try using slightly crispy ham or even pancetta for a more robust taste.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat, or swap ham with chicken for a different protein option.
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is designed to minimize cleanup, so use the same pot for multiple steps to save on dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
