This ham and butternut squash spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the smoky taste of ham with the sweetness of butternut squash. The spaghetti is cooked to al dente perfection and tossed in a creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and nutmeg. Serve this dish as a quick weeknight dinner or impress your guests with its rustic elegance at a dinner party.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 2 cups diced butternut squash
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook until browned and crispy. Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced butternut squash and minced garlic. Cook until the squash is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and crispy ham to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the ham and butternut squash spaghetti hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Interesting Facts
Butternut squash is rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.
Ham is a great source of protein and adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
This recipe can be easily customized by adding additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.