Tricolor spirals with ham

Delicious tricolor spiral pasta with ham recipe – a simple and quick dish, perfect for a family dinner or a comforting lunch. This recipe combines the textures of the pasta with the intense flavors of ham, onion, and garlic, resulting in a spectacular dish in just a few steps.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 200 g tricolor spiral pasta
- 150-200 g ham
- 1 medium onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 150-200 g cheese (preferably telemea or parmesan)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings (fresh thyme, parsley, chili flakes)

Step 1: Cooking the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to flavor the pasta. When the water starts to boil, add the 200 g of spiral pasta. Follow the package instructions for the cooking time, usually between 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. During this time, you can prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Preparing the ingredients
Begin by slicing the ham into thin strips. This will allow the flavor to be released better during cooking. Peel the onion and chop it finely. Crush the garlic cloves with a knife and then chop them finely. This way, the garlic flavor will intensify.

Step 3: Sautéing the ingredients
In a deep skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion over low heat until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ham and crushed garlic. Sauté everything for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the ham becomes slightly crispy and the garlic releases its aroma.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet over the ham and onion mixture. Gently stir to avoid breaking the pasta, ensuring that the sauce evenly coats every spiral. If necessary, you can add a little pasta water to create a creamier sauce.

Step 5: Finishing the dish
Grate the cheese on a fine grater and add it to the skillet, gently mixing until it melts. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the cheese is well integrated, your dish is ready!

Serving:
Transfer the tricolor spirals with ham to plates and sprinkle some extra grated cheese on top for an appealing look. You can add optional toppings like fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or chili flakes for a spicy touch.

Variation suggestions:
For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for diverse flavors.

This tricolor spiral pasta with ham recipe is not only simple and quick but also full of flavor, ideal for delighting the taste buds of the whole family. Enjoy your meal!