Creamy Cheesy Ham and Bow-Tie Pasta
Indulge in this comforting Creamy Cheesy Ham and Bow-Tie Pasta, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a rich and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is inspired by the classic Creamy Bacon & Leek Pasta but is tailored to be more family-friendly, appealing to both young and old palate preferences. With its creamy texture, hearty ham chunks, and delightful bow-tie pasta, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Pair it with a crisp salad and warm bread for a wholesome dining experience that will leave your family asking for seconds. Enjoy the simplicity and warmth of this creamy pasta dish, perfect for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (finely chopped)
ham
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
flour
4 tablespoons (for thickening)
milk or half-and-half
1 1/2 cups (for creamy sauce)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (finely grated)
farfalle pasta
12-16 ounces (bow-tie type)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While the water is heating, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped ham, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the ham is slightly browned.
4
Once the water is boiling, add the bow-tie pasta to the pot. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
5
While the pasta cooks, gradually add the flour to the ham mixture, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6
Slowly pour in the milk (or half-and-half) in 1/2 cup increments, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust the amount based on your preference for a thicker or thinner sauce.
7
Once the sauce is at your desired consistency, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and salt. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer while the pasta finishes cooking.
8
When the pasta is done, drain it and immediately mix it with the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss to combine thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
9
Serve immediately, accompanied by a fresh salad and crusty bread to complete your meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Ham and Bow-Tie Pasta?
It is a comforting and rich pasta dish featuring ham, farfalle, and a creamy cheese sauce, designed for quick weeknight dinners.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire recipe can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Bow-tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is recommended for this recipe, but other shapes like penne or rotini will also work well.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use milk for a lighter sauce or half-and-half for a richer, creamier consistency.
What can I substitute for ham?
If you do not have ham, you can substitute it with cooked bacon, diced chicken, or even smoked sausage.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be family-friendly and appeals to both children and adults with its mild, creamy flavors.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
You can thicken the sauce by adding more flour to the roux or by allowing the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes.
How do I make the sauce thinner?
To thin out the sauce, gradually stir in additional milk or a small amount of the pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Absolutely! Peas, broccoli, or spinach make great additions and can be stirred in during the final stages of cooking.
What side dishes go well with this pasta?
It pairs perfectly with a crisp garden salad and warm, crusty bread.
Can I use a different cheese besides Parmesan?
While Parmesan provides a classic flavor, you can also use white cheddar, Gruyere, or Pecorino Romano.
How do I prevent lumps from forming in the sauce?
Gradually add the flour to the butter while stirring continuously, and then slowly pour in the milk while whisking to ensure a smooth sauce.
Is this a quick meal option?
Yes, this is a quick-prep meal that takes less than half an hour from start to finish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine them when ready to eat.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat this pasta?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess of the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free bow-tie pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce.
What does 'al dente' mean in this recipe?
Al dente refers to cooking the pasta so it is firm to the bite, which prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, with its warm, creamy, and cheesy profile, it is a classic comfort food dish.
Should the ham be pre-cooked?
Yes, this recipe uses chopped pre-cooked ham, which is quickly browned in the skillet for extra flavor.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
What if I do not have an onion?
You can substitute the fresh onion with a teaspoon of onion powder or use shallots for a milder taste.
Should I add black pepper?
While the recipe calls for salt, adding freshly ground black pepper is a great way to enhance the flavor.
Does this recipe require making a roux?
Yes, the sauce starts with a simple roux made from butter and flour to create a thick and creamy base.
How much pasta do I need?
The recipe requires between 12 and 16 ounces of farfalle pasta.
Can I use heavy cream?
Using heavy cream will result in an even richer and more indulgent sauce than milk or half-and-half.
Is this a one-pot meal?
It is a two-pot meal: one for boiling the pasta and one large skillet for preparing the sauce and ham.
What is farfalle?
Farfalle is the Italian name for bow-tie or butterfly-shaped pasta.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger group, just ensure you use a large enough pot and skillet.