If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying pasta dish to enjoy this fall or winter, look no further than creamy ham and butternut squash spaghetti. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of ham, the sweetness of butternut squash, and the creamy richness of mascarpone cheese to create a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup sliced smoked ham (you can also use bacon)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- Salt
- Hot red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 package whole grain spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions:
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In a pan over medium heat, cook the sliced smoked ham in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to caramelize. Add the sliced garlic and cook for another minute until the edges start to turn golden.
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Pour in the chicken stock and add the cubed butternut squash. Stir and cover the pan. Cook over medium heat until the squash is tender when smashed with a fork, about 15 minutes.
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Add salt and hot red chili flakes to taste. Stir in the mascarpone cheese over low heat until melted and creamy. Be careful not to let it boil.
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Add a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper and the freshly chopped Italian parsley. Stir to combine.
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Cook the whole grain spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain well and return to the pot. Pour the hot sauce over the pasta and mix thoroughly.
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Serve the creamy ham and butternut squash spaghetti in bowls, topped with Parmesan cheese and additional hot pepper if desired.
This creamy ham and butternut squash spaghetti is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoky ham, sweet butternut squash, and creamy mascarpone cheese come together to create a rich, satisfying dish. Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish to complement any meal.