Imagine a dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of cream sauce, the smoky sweetness of ham, and the vibrant crunch of red bell peppers - all perfectly tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This isn't just another pasta recipe; this is a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to surprise your family and friends, this Creamy Ham and Red Bell Pepper Pasta is about to become your new go-to recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced red bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become slightly caramelized.
- Add diced ham to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine the cream with the ham and peppers.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and continue stirring until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your creamy ham and red bell pepper pasta!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea. This is your first chance to season the pasta from within.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Cook your pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent it from separating or burning. A gentle simmer is key to a smooth, creamy sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a minced garlic clove or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the bell peppers.
- Let the pasta rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg
