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