Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy fettuccine, studded with savory ham and topped with a blanket of melted Parmesan cheese. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a quick, decadent meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. In just 25 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dinner that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of fettuccine, 1 cup of diced ham, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced ham and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the ham is heated through and slightly crispy.
- Reduce the heat to low, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the ham. Stir gently to combine and allow the cream to warm up, cooking for about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the cream is warmed, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When the fettuccine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained fettuccine directly to the skillet with the creamy ham sauce.
- Toss the fettuccine in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick. Ensure the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your creamy ham and fettuccine dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce.
- Use high-quality ham like Black Forest or honey-cured for extra flavor depth.
- Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.
- For extra richness, you can add a touch of cream cheese or swap half the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 563kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 105mg
