Pasta with sour cream

Delicious pasta recipe with cream and ham

Discover a simple and quick recipe to delight your taste buds: pasta with cream and ham. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal when time is limited. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll create a creamy and savory dish that everyone will enjoy. Let's venture into the culinary universe!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 400 g pasta (you can choose between spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter (for a rich taste, prefer unsalted butter)
- 350 g ham (you can use cooked ham or turkey ham, depending on your preference)
- 100 ml milk (whole milk will give a creamier texture)
- 300 g cream (choose cream with at least 20% fat content for optimal results)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

A brief story about pasta

Pasta is a staple ingredient in many culinary cultures around the world. Over time, it has evolved from simple combinations of flour and water to sophisticated dishes with elaborate sauces and diverse ingredients. This simple recipe for pasta with cream and ham reminds us that sometimes the tastiest meals are the simplest.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have a large pot for boiling pasta, a pan for sautéing the onion, and a bowl for mixing the cream with the milk.

2. Boiling the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a tablespoon of salt. Put the water on the heat and, when it starts to boil, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions (usually between 8-12 minutes). Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Sautéing the onion: While the pasta is boiling, take a pan and melt the two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 10 minutes until it becomes golden and slightly caramelized. This will add a sweet and savory flavor to your dish.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream and milk. You can use a whisk to achieve a smooth consistency. This mixture will bring creaminess and enhance the flavor of the pasta.

5. Combining the ingredients: When the pasta is ready, drain it, but keep a little cooking water. Add the pasta directly to the pan with the sautéed onion, then pour the cream and milk mixture over them. Add the ham cut into thin strips. Gently mix everything to combine the ingredients evenly.

6. Finishing the dish: Put everything on low heat for about a minute, stirring constantly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired.

7. Serving: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a little freshly ground pepper and, if desired, grated Parmesan on top for added flavor. You can also add fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for a more colorful presentation.

Serving suggestions and culinary pairings

These pasta with cream and ham are excellent alongside a fresh green salad, drizzled with lemon dressing. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal. If you feel adventurous, you can add vegetables like broccolini or peas to make the dish even more nutritious.

Variations of the recipe

- Vegetarian: You can replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or marinated tofu, creating a delicious vegetarian option.
- Spices: Add spices like garlic or sweet paprika to enhance the flavors.
- Tomato sauce: If you prefer a more tomato-based sauce, you can add tomato sauce or sautéed cherry tomatoes, turning the dish into a more colorful meal.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe offers a good combination of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the ham, and fats from the cream. Although it is a richer meal, when consumed in moderation, it can fit into a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, any type of pasta works, but the cooking time may vary.

2. Can I substitute the cream? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a healthier option.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance? It is recommended to prepare the pasta fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

4. What other sauces can I try? For a more sophisticated option, you can try a blue cheese sauce or a pesto sauce.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to put on your apron and start cooking! Enjoy your meal!