Smoked Ham Linguine

Smoked ham linguine is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender linguine noodles, broccoli florets, and flavorful strips of smoked ham. This recipe takes it a step further by adding a creamy and cheesy sauce to bring all the ingredients together. The result is a comforting and flavorful meal that will please both pasta lovers and ham enthusiasts.

INGREDIENTS:

• 450g/1lb dried linguine
• 450g/1lb broccoli florets
• 225g/8oz smoked ham, cut into thin strips
• For the cheese sauce:
  • 25g/1oz butter
  • 1 tablespoon plain flour
  • 250ml/9fl oz milk
  • 2 tablespoons single cream
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 50g/2oz Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATIONS:

1. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and broccoli florets. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender. Drain the linguine and broccoli thoroughly and set aside, keeping them warm.
2. In a non-stick saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir in the single cream, ground nutmeg, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Cheddar cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses have melted and blended into the sauce.
5. Toss the cooked linguine, broccoli, and smoked ham in the cheese sauce until well coated. Gently warm the mixture over very low heat.
6. Divide the pasta among four serving bowls and serve immediately.

YIELD:

This recipe serves 4 people.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be careful not to overcook the linguine and broccoli. It’s important to cook them until they are al dente to maintain a slightly firm texture.
• Adjust the seasoning of the cheese sauce according to your taste preferences. Add more salt and pepper if desired.
• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil over the dish before serving.

TIPS:

• Serve the smoked ham linguine with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to revive the creaminess of the sauce.

Smoked ham linguine is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender linguine noodles, broccoli florets, and strips of smoked ham. The addition of a creamy and cheesy sauce brings all the ingredients together, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.

To prepare this dish, the linguine and broccoli are cooked until al dente. Meanwhile, a rich cheese sauce is prepared by combining butter, flour, milk, single cream, nutmeg, Cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The linguine, broccoli, and smoked ham are tossed in the cheese sauce, creating a creamy and savory coating.

Serve the smoked ham linguine immediately, dividing it among serving bowls. The combination of tender pasta, smoky ham, and creamy cheese sauce is sure to delight your taste buds. You can pair this dish with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat the linguine gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to revive the creaminess of the sauce.

With its delicious flavors and comforting qualities, smoked ham linguine is a dish that is sure to please both pasta lovers and fans of smoky ham. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is a great choice for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal.