Creamy Pasta with Squash and Ham

This delightful pasta dish combines the creamy richness of sweet cream with the smoky flavors of cold-smoked ham and the earthy taste of butternut squash. Perfect for a cozy dinner, the recipe involves sautéing ham and onions, giving them a soft caramelization before incorporating garlic and spicy pepper to elevate the flavors. The addition of grated hard cheese at the end enriches the overall taste, making it a creamy yet flavorful experience. Made with tagliatelle or penne, each bite delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. This dish is both comforting and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight meals. The warm, nutty flavors of the squash balance beautifully with the savory elements, while the cream sauce ties everything together. Try serving it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Follow the steps below to create this delicious pasta at home.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

100 g pasta (tagliatelle or penne)
50 g cold-smoked ham
150 g butternut squash
80 g sweet cream (13%)
50 g broth
1/2 onion

Spices

1/3 spicy pepper
2 cloves garlic
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste

For Serving

50 g grated hard cheese

Preparation Time

Total time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Ham and Onions: Heat a pan and add chopped ham and finely chopped onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes soft.
Incorporate Garlic: Add finely chopped garlic to the pan, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, and cook for another minute.
Add Squash and Pepper: Grate the butternut squash using the coarse side of a grater and dice the spicy pepper finely. Add these to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the sweet cream and broth. Reduce the heat and wait for the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve the Pasta: Plate the pasta and generously pour the creamy sauce over it.
Complete the Dish: Sprinkle grated hard cheese over the pasta before serving warm.

Tips

Substitution: Use any preferred type of cheese if hard cheese is unavailable.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ham with mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spicy pepper to control the heat.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 450
Protein: 16 g
Fats: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs.
Vegan Option: Substitute cream with coconut cream and omit ham.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
Pair with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Best Places

Quattro Osteria - Renowned for authentic Italian cuisine. Location: Via della Madonna alla Strada, Rome, Italy.
Pasta Factory - Offers a variety of gourmet pasta dishes. Location: 24 Rue de la Lune, Paris, France.
Cucina Grande - Known for their handcrafted pasta. Location: 1502 Union Street, San Francisco, USA.
La Famiglia - A family-friendly restaurant with classic recipes. Location: 7 Via Simone Cucchiara, Palermo, Italy.
Ristorante Da Vinci - Celebrated for its elegant pasta offerings. Location: 24 Largo Pietro Annigoni, Florence, Italy.
Trattoria Mamma Gina - Combines tradition with a modern twist. Location: 126 Alhambra Cir, Coral Gables, USA.
Al Dente - Offers a diverse range of pasta dishes. Location: 15 O'Connell Street Upper, Dublin, Ireland.
Il Salotto - Cozily serves up hearty pasta meals. Location: 48, Coventry Road, Birmingham, UK.
Marcello's - Known for their rich, creamy pasta sauces. Location: 12, Rue du Gaston, Lyon, France.
Sapore Italiano - Hosts live cooking pasta stations. Location: 9, the Winding Street, Sydney, Australia.