This Creamy Parmesan Ham Pasta dish is divine. It's the rich, smooth, cheesy sauce that does it. I just can't get enough. Choose your favorite vegetables and pasta and you're on your way to making the best pasta dish ever!
It's true, I am a huge sauce and gravy fan. I always have been. This Parmesan Cream Sauce is truly divine, I can't get enough of it, and really hope you roll the dice and give this wonderful pasta recipe a try! I can't wait to hear what you think!
This dish is so versatile. You literally can include your favorite vegetables and whatever meat you have on hand. I usually use leftover ham to make this dish or grab a ham steak out of the freezer.
I always buy a few ham steaks every time I notice them on sale. Ham is such an easy protein to add to so many things to make a fast and fabulous dinner!
That being said, if you ever have the opportunity, you need to try and find some pancetta, or Italian ham. You might even be able to find it already chopped into small, bite sized pieces at your local grocery store. I urge you to try it at least once. I bet you will be glad you did! Your taste buds will thank you!
I am always switching the kind of pasta I use for this, or any other pasta recipe I make for that matter, and you can too! To me, the kind or shape of pasta matters little to me when I am making a pasta dish. It's always just about the sauce and this sauce is terrific!
Ingredients in Creamy Parmesan Ham Pasta
- heavy or whipping cream
- chicken broth
- egg yolks
- Parmesan cheese
- ham or pancetta
- broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, sweet peppers
- onion
- pasta
- oil
- salt
- pepper
How to make Creamy Parmesan Ham Pasta
In a medium sized bowl whisk broth, cream, yolks, Parmesan, and some pepper together until incorporated. Set aside.
In a skillet, over medium to medium high heat, place a tablespoon or two of oil. Heat until it shimmers or a drop of water flicked in it dances.
Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
When oil shimmers or when a drop of water flicked in it dances add ham or pancetta and cook for a few minutes.
Add diced or finely chopped vegetables and saute for a few more minutes.
Ham or pancetta should be crisp and your vegetables tender.
Remove skillet from heat and add broth mixture, stirring constantly.
Return skillet to medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until sauce is thickened, a few more minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Toss or serve with pasta.
If you are looking for a fool proof, creamy, delightful sauce you have come to the right place. This sauce is a favorite of ours and will be a favorite of yours too!
How to make the Best Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- heavy or whipping cream
- chicken broth
- egg yolks
- parmesan cheese
- pepper
In a skillet, over medium heat, combine broth, cream, yolks, Parmesan, and some pepper together. Whisk constantly until completely blended and sauce has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss or serve with pasta.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan Cheese for this Creamy Parmesan Sauce?
You could technically but I wouldn't recommend it. The sauce will not turn out well, in my opinion.
Once the cheese is grated and packaged for sale, it dries out and starts losing its flavor. It's funny but you would need a lot more of it to come close to being able to taste it in your sauce. Also, real parmesan cheese is worth the investment as a little goes a long way!
Find a small, vacuum sealed, piece of parmesan cheese and grate it for yourself. You will love it so much. Not only will you notice a difference in the flavor but you will definitely notice a difference in the texture of your sauce. Much smoother and creamier.
More Delicious Pasta Dishes to Try
Our Favorite Loaded Pasta Carbonara
Chicken Pasta in Sherry Cream Sauce
Million Dollar Pasta Casserole
Meat Lovers Pizza Pasta Casserole
Creamy Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
Simple Skillet Chicken Stroganoff
Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Casserole
Our Bacon Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy Parmesan Ham Pasta Video
Creamy Parmesan Ham Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups ham or pancetta, diced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (35%)
- 2 large egg yolks beaten lightly
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup sweet peas
- 1 cup cooked carrots diced, I used canned, drained
- 2 cups your favorite pasta the amount of pasta is approximate
- oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the ham and cook for a few minutes, until heated through and lightly browned around the edges. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds of cooking.
- Pour the Parmesan mixture into the skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the peas and carrots and cook for a few more minutes, until heated through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thin, return the skillet to low heat and cook briefly, stirring frequently, until thickened. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
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