Creamy Ham Pasta: Easy & Delicious White Sauce Recipe

Prepare a delicious ham pasta with white sauce, a practical and comforting recipe for any occasion. Ideal for a quick lunch or a special dinner, this dish combines the simplicity of pasta with the richness of white sauce and the flavor of ham. Discover how to make this classic that pleases everyone!

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 500g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• Water for cooking pasta
• Salt to taste

For the White Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500ml milk
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Nutmeg to taste

For the Filling:

• 200g diced ham
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and stir quickly to form a smooth paste (roux).
4. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
7. Add the diced ham to the white sauce and mix well.
8. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and mix gently to coat all strands.
9. Serve the ham pasta with white sauce hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations

• For a creamier sauce, add 1/2 cup of fresh heavy cream at the end of preparation.
• Substitute the ham with shredded chicken, diced bacon, or sliced mushrooms to vary the flavor of your ham pasta.
• Add cooked vegetables, such as peas, corn, or broccoli, for a more nutritious version.
• Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or gorgonzola, for a more intense flavor.
• For a gratinated version, place the ham pasta in a baking dish, cover with grated cheese, and bake for a few minutes until golden brown.

CHEF’s Tips

The secret to a perfect ham pasta lies in the quality of the ingredients and the white sauce preparation technique. Use good quality butter and fresh flour to ensure a rich flavor and velvety texture. When adding milk, do so gradually and stir vigorously to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes creamy. Don’t forget to season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to enhance the flavor. Add the diced ham to the sauce only at the end of preparation, so it doesn’t dry out. Serve the ham pasta immediately after preparation to maintain its creaminess and flavor.