When the holidays are over and your fridge is full of leftovers, it’s time to get creative with your meals and make something delicious out of what you have on hand. If you find yourself with an abundance of leftover Christmas ham, look no further than this flavorful and comforting recipe for Leftover Christmas Ham Pasta. This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of leftover ham with simple pasta for a cozy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Title: Leftover Christmas Ham Pasta
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cups leftover Christmas ham, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the diced leftover Christmas ham to the skillet and cook until lightly browned and heated through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow the broth to reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme, mixing well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy ham sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve the Leftover Christmas Ham Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish that makes good use of your holiday leftovers in a creative and delicious way. The creamy sauce infused with the smoky taste of the ham pairs perfectly with the pasta for a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this Leftover Christmas Ham Pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Bon appétit!
