Creamy Ham and Red Bell Pepper Pasta
This creamy ham and red pepper pasta recipe combines cooked ham with cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and basil to create a delicious sauce to top lovely al dente spaghetti.
Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- ½ large red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces ham cut in 1/2” cubes
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 large fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add the spaghetti and a tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta for the length of time indicated on the package.8 ounces spaghetti, 1 tablespoon salt
- While the pasta cooks proceed with the creamy ham and red pepper sauce. In a large, deep sided skillet melt the butter over medium high heat.2 tablespoons butter
- Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion has softened and is translucent - about 6 to 7 minutes.1 medium onion, ½ large red bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the diced ham to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the ham is warmed through.8 ounces ham
- Add the milk, cream, and cream cheese. Cook, stirring, until the cream cheese has melted.¼ cup milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 ounces cream cheese
- Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, basil, and parsley. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium low. Cover the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes more.1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 5 large fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss to combine the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the pasta cooking water one ladle full at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Top individual servings with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining so you can thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- For a richer flavor, try swapping the cream cheese for goat cheese or mascarpone.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 632kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 3252mg | Potassium: 494mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1634IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 299mg | Iron: 2mg
