Creamy Ham & Onion Pasta
Ingredients
Tap the ingredients you have on hand
- 8 oz pasta≈ $3.95
- 1 tbsp olive oil≈ $0.15
- 1/2 onion, chopped≈ $0.25
- 4 oz ham, diced≈ $5.70
- 2 tbsp butter≈ $0.65
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour≈ $0.50
- 1.5 cups milk≈ $2.00
- Salt to taste≈ $0.25
- Pepper to taste≈ $1.10
Prices are rough US grocery estimates per ingredient and may vary by store and season.
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add diced ham and cook for another 3-5 minutes until lightly browned.
- 5
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- 6
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- 7
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8
Add the cooked pasta, ham, and onion to the creamy sauce. Toss to combine.
- 9
Serve hot.
About this recipe
Craving a comforting meal that comes together in a flash? This creamy pasta dish offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. With tender pasta coated in a savory sauce featuring diced ham and sweet sautéed onions, it's a delightful, easy-to-make option for anyone seeking quick, delicious Italian-American cuisine.
Ready in about 25 minutes and serving two, this simple yet elegant dish is a wonderful choice for busy evenings or a romantic meal. It’s an ideal recipe for using leftover ham or creating a budget-friendly, hearty meal from scratch.
The story behind it
Many simple pasta dishes, like this one, trace their roots to the resourcefulness of Italian immigrant kitchens in America. While not a traditional Italian dish, the combination of pasta, readily available dairy, and cured meats like ham evolved into a beloved comfort food. It speaks to a heritage of transforming humble ingredients into something truly special and nourishing for the family table, often born from necessity and a desire for warm, fulfilling meals.
Chef's tips
- 1Sauté the chopped onion until deeply translucent and slightly caramelized to bring out its natural sweetness, enhancing the sauce's depth.
- 2When adding milk, whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety béchamel base for your creamy sauce.
- 3Reserve a quarter cup of pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, helping it cling perfectly to the pasta.
- 4Season your pasta cooking water generously with salt; it's your first opportunity to flavor the pasta itself.
- 5For the best texture, add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce and toss gently, allowing it to absorb the flavors immediately.
Ways to make it your own
Substitute diced smoked turkey or turkey bacon for ham to create a lighter, yet equally flavorful, alternative.
Stir in a handful of steamed broccoli florets and a quarter cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end for added nutrition and cheesy goodness.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil with the onions for a subtle but warming spicy undertone.
Sauté a cup of sliced cremini mushrooms alongside the onions for an earthy flavor and extra texture.
Frequently asked
Can I use a different type of pasta?+
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces works well for this recipe.
How can I make the sauce thicker?+
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes, or whisk in a very small amount of a flour-milk slurry.
What kind of ham is best for this dish?+
Pre-cooked diced ham, leftover holiday ham, or even thick-cut deli ham cubed small will all work perfectly.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?+
Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated, so it's best enjoyed fresh; however, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Why is my sauce lumpy?+
Lumpy sauce often occurs if the flour isn't fully incorporated into the butter before adding milk, or if the milk is added too quickly without continuous whisking.