Irresistible Creamy White Spaghetti with Ham Recipe

A cozy bowl of creamy white spaghetti with ham is the kind of weeknight comfort food that tastes like a hug. Velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while tender bites of ham bring a salty, savory edge that balances perfectly with the cream. This dish comes together fast and tastes like something you’d get at a bistro—without the price tag or the wait.

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🥄 Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
• 1½ cups cooked ham, diced (smoked or honey ham works best)
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

2. Make the roux

In a large deep skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste.

3. Create the creamy base

Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Add the cream and continue stirring until the sauce thickens—about 3–4 minutes.

4. Add cheese and seasonings

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and parsley or Italian seasoning. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

5. Add the ham

Fold in the diced cooked ham and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to heat through. You’ll start to smell the rich, savory aroma at this point.

6. Combine with pasta

Add the drained spaghetti into the sauce. Use tongs to coat every strand with that luscious creamy goodness. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to help everything blend.

7. Serve and garnish

Transfer to serving bowls or plates. Top with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

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👨‍🍳 Chef’s Tips:

• Pasta water magic: Don’t skip saving some pasta water—it helps the sauce stick to the noodles perfectly.
• Make it meaty: Try mixing in crispy bacon or pancetta for extra texture.
• Veggie version: Add peas, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli for a vegetable boost.
• Cream swap: If you want it lighter, you can replace the cream with more milk and add ½ tsp of cornstarch to thicken.

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🧊 Storage Instructions:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy, but you can freeze the sauce separately before adding pasta.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

Pair this creamy ham spaghetti with:

• A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade

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❓ FAQ

Can I use other pasta types?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or even bowtie pasta work wonderfully.

Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Absolutely. This is a great recipe for using up cooked ham from Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so—kids love the creamy texture and mild, cheesy flavor.

What cheese works best?
Parmesan is traditional, but Gruyère, Pecorino, or even a bit of mozzarella can be mixed in for extra meltiness.

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📋 Nutrition (approx. per serving):

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 28g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g

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📝 Recipe Summary:

This Creamy White Spaghetti with Ham recipe is the definition of comfort food. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish and delivers big on flavor with pantry ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying dinner that doesn’t require takeout, this is a go-to dish you’ll return to again and again.

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