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Ham Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Easy Ham Creamy Broccoli Pasta That’s Comfort Food Perfected

This Ham Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a quick, delicious comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 510
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Veggies
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne or fusilli) choose a shape that holds sauce well
  • 2 cups Fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 quarts Salted water for boiling pasta
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter adds richness
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour thickens the sauce
  • 1 cup Milk (whole or 2%) provides creaminess
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream optional, enhances texture
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp finish
For the Ham and Seasoning
  • 2 cups Cooked ham, diced introduces savory flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced for depth of flavor
  • to taste Salt season to taste
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper season to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes optional, for a kick

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, cook pasta for 8 minutes, then add broccoli florets for the last 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  2. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water for later.
  3. In the same large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until foamy, about 1 minute, then sprinkle in flour to form a smooth roux.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and lightly coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until fully melted, smooth, and velvety, about 1 minute.
  6. Add diced ham and minced garlic, cook over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to brown.
  7. Add drained pasta, broccoli, and reserved cooking water to the skillet, tossing everything together until each piece is evenly coated in creamy sauce.
  8. Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired, then serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley for color before serving.

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