Espagueti Blanco Con Jamon Recipe

Creamy Espagueti Blanco Con Jamon Recipe That Melts Hearts

Creamy espagueti blanco con jamon dances delightfully on dinner plates across mexican households.

Comfort seeps through every twirled strand of pasta.

Tender ham pieces nestle between soft noodles, creating magical flavor combinations.

Salt and pepper whisper subtle magic into this classic dish.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with careful preparation.

Each bite promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry souls.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this comforting recipe.

Espagueti Blanco Con Jamon For A Creamy Treat

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: This creamy ham spaghetti delivers pure comfort food in minimal kitchen time, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ham for different proteins like chicken or bacon, and adjust cheese types to match your family's taste preferences, making it super flexible for everyone.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn basic sauce-making skills by creating a smooth, velvety white sauce that builds confidence for future culinary adventures, with straightforward steps anyone can follow.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, savory pasta dish that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal everyone enjoys together.

Gather Ingredients For Creamy Ham Spaghetti Tonight

Main Ingredients:
  • Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the base for this creamy white sauce dish.
  • Ham: Adds a savory and meaty flavor to the pasta.
  • Cream: Provides a rich and smooth texture to the sauce.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce consistency.
  • Cheeses: Contribute a melty and flavorful element to the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Herbs: Add a fresh and aromatic finishing touch to the espagueti blanco.

Steps For Creamy Espagueti Blanco Con Jamon

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add butter and let it melt smoothly.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it releases a fragrant aroma without browning.

Step 3: Sizzle Ham

Introduce diced ham to the skillet.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the ham to develop slight golden edges and release its savory flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Add to the skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Whole milk
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Stir continuously until cheeses melt completely and sauce thickens.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce.

Ensure each pasta strand gets evenly coated with the rich, velvety mixture.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the saucy spaghetti to serving plates.

Optionally sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil.

Serve immediately while hot and steamy.

Tips For Authentic Espagueti Blanco Con Jamon Bliss

  • Salt water generously to enhance flavor and ensure perfectly seasoned spaghetti from the inside out.
  • Choose high-quality, lean ham for better texture and more authentic taste in the dish.
  • Grate cheeses at room temperature and add gradually to prevent clumping and create smooth sauce consistency.
  • Use full-fat cream for richer sauce, but can substitute with half-and-half for lighter version.
  • Fresh parsley or chives can brighten the dish, adding color and subtle fresh flavor to creamy white spaghetti.

Flavor Variations For Creamy Ham Spaghetti Dinners

  • Vegetarian White Pasta: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure all cheese and dairy products are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Mexican Version: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter meal.

Serving Espagueti Blanco Con Jamon With Sides

  • Cozy Family Dinner: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this creamy pasta as a comforting main course with warm bread on the side.
  • Elegant Appetizer Twist: Serve smaller portions in cute ramekins as a sophisticated starter before the main meal, garnished with fresh parsley.
  • Weekend Brunch Delight: Pair this rich spaghetti with a light side salad and fresh orange juice for a relaxed weekend morning meal that feels special.
  • Quick Lunch Solution: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious work or school lunch that reheats beautifully and keeps you satisfied.

Storing Espagueti Blanco Con Jamon For Lunch

  • Store leftover espagueti blanco con jamon in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the sauce doesn't separate by sealing tightly.
  • Warm individual portions in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce from drying out.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent sticking.
  • Freeze pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • What type of ham works best for this recipe?

Use cooked, diced ham like smoked or honey ham for the best flavor and texture in the dish.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to create a meat-free version of the creamy pasta.

  • What cheeses can I substitute if I don't have the original ones?

Use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan, or monterey jack and cream cheese as alternative cheese options.

  • How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a little pasta water or extra milk to thin the sauce if it becomes too dense during cooking.

Print
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Espagueti Blanco Con Jamon Recipe

Espagueti Blanco Con Jamon Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy espagueti blanco con jamon brings Mexican comfort to your dinner table, blending silky pasta with rich ham flavors. Comforting and simple, you’ll savor each delicious bite of this classic family-style dish that promises warm satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (453 g) spaghetti
  • 1 1/2 cups (225 g) cooked ham, diced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Seasoning and Garnish:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Carefully lower spaghetti into boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture.
  3. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat, allowing it to become slightly golden and aromatic.
  4. Add minced garlic to melted butter, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant and just beginning to turn translucent.
  5. Introduce diced ham to the butter-garlic mixture, stirring frequently and cooking for 2-3 minutes until edges become slightly crisp.
  6. Pour cream and milk into the skillet, reducing heat to low and stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
  7. Gradually incorporate cheeses into the liquid, whisking smoothly until completely melted and sauce achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  8. Season sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  9. Drain cooked pasta thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
  10. Transfer pasta directly into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure every strand is evenly coated.
  11. If sauce seems too thick, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  12. Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped herbs for a vibrant touch, and serve piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality ham for richer flavor, preferably using premium deli-style or smoked varieties.
  • Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking exactly to al dente texture, testing frequently during boiling.
  • Create a smoother sauce by gradually adding cheese at low heat, stirring constantly to avoid clumping.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives like plant-based cream and cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals or vegan preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 484 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 640 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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