Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta, studded with crispy, golden gammon pieces that promise a burst of flavor in every bite. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can create right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a decadent midweek meal, this Creamy Pasta with Gammon is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta of choice
- 200g gammon, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced gammon and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are slightly crispy and golden brown.
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine the cream with the gammon, allowing it to simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- 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 gammon and cream. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to melt and incorporate into the sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the creamy sauce and savory gammon.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While this recipe works with most pasta shapes, short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the creamy sauce best.
- Crisp the Gammon Perfectly: Make sure to cook the gammon on medium-high heat to get those delightful golden-brown edges that add incredible texture.
- Pasta Water is Your Secret Weapon: Always reserve some pasta water. Its starchy nature helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce.
- Don't Overcook the Cream: Simmer gently to prevent the cream from separating or becoming grainy.
- Fresh Parmesan Makes a Difference: Grate your own Parmesan for maximum flavor and smoother melting.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to maintain the perfect sauce consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 120mg
