Simple and Delicious Ham Cream Pasta
Easy Ham Cream Pasta Recipe for Beginners
Introducing a super simple ham cream pasta recipe that you can complete with ham and fresh cream you have at home. The harmony of rich cream sauce and savory ham is exquisite!
Main Ingredients
- Spaghetti pasta, 1 serving (adjust amount to your preference)
- Ham (sliced or whole) 180g
- Minced garlic, about 5 cloves
- Onion, 1/2
Sauce & Seasonings
- Heavy cream 200㎖ (whipping cream or a little milk can be added)
- Cooking oil 1 Tbsp
- Roasted salt 1/2 Tbsp (or regular salt)
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce 1 tsp (or adjust to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, generously
- Coarse salt 1 Tbsp (for boiling pasta)
- Heavy cream 200㎖ (whipping cream or a little milk can be added)
- Cooking oil 1 Tbsp
- Roasted salt 1/2 Tbsp (or regular salt)
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce 1 tsp (or adjust to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, generously
- Coarse salt 1 Tbsp (for boiling pasta)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, fill a pot with plenty of water for boiling the pasta. Add 1 Tbsp of coarse salt to the water. Once the water begins to boil, carefully untangle the spaghetti strands and add them to the pot to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 2
Boil the spaghetti for 1-2 minutes less than the time indicated on the package. Typically, 10 minutes is about right, but if you prefer a chewier texture, you can boil it for just 8 minutes and then rinse it under cold water. (Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water!)
Step 3
While the pasta is boiling, peel and finely mince the onion. Cut the ham into bite-sized pieces (about 1cm thick slices or small cubes).
Step 4
Drain the boiled pasta in a colander. Rinsing it under cold water (optional, but recommended) can help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy or clumpy. Make sure to drain the water thoroughly for about 7 minutes.
Step 5
Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 6
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the minced ham and onion to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and sauté for 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the ham is nicely browned. Add 1 tsp of oyster sauce for an extra layer of umami.
Step 7
Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the sautéed ingredients and toss to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with 1/2 Tbsp of roasted salt and 1 Tbsp of sugar, ensuring the pasta absorbs the flavors. (Add more salt if needed, or a little more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.)
Step 8
Finally, pour in 200㎖ of heavy cream and stir gently over low heat for 1 minute until the sauce coats the pasta beautifully. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9
Transfer the finished ham cream pasta to a serving plate. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Your creamy, savory ham cream pasta is ready to be enjoyed!
