Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham Recipe

This delightful twist on a classic dish brings together the comfort of spaghetti with the rich, savory flavors of ham and the fresh, sweet taste of corn. Blended with heavy cream and fresh parsley, the end result is a creamy, hearty meal that is as satisfying to the palate as it is easy to prepare.

Photos of Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham Recipe

The main ingredients in this recipe are fairly common, with perhaps the exception of flat-leaf parsley, also known as Italian parsley. This variety differs from its curly counterpart by having a more robust and less bitter taste. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, regular parsley can be used instead. Just adjust to taste.

Ingredients for Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham

Corn: Used fresh from the cob, it adds a sweet flavor and a nice crunch to the dish.

Heavy cream: It gives the dish its creamy and rich texture.

Flat-leaf parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Gives a slight heat and depth of flavor.

Spaghetti: Acts as the base of the dish, and it's great at absorbing flavors.

Ham: Adds a salty, savory element that complements the sweetness of the corn.

Butter: Adds a creamy, rich taste and helps tie all the flavors together.

One reader, Kimberley Hughey says:

This spaghetti with creamy corn and ham recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The creamy corn sauce adds a rich and flavorful element to the spaghetti, and the ham provides a delicious savory contrast. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Kimberley Hughey

Cooking Techniques for Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham

How to cook the corn: Boil the ears of corn in a large pot of salted water for about 3 minutes until just done. Remove the corn from the pot and let it cool before cutting the kernels off the cob.

How to make the corn puree: In a food processor, combine the cooked corn kernels, heavy cream, flat-leaf parsley, salt, and pepper. Pulse 3 or 4 times to chop the corn into a coarse puree.

How to cook the spaghetti: Bring the reserved water to a boil and cook the spaghetti for about 12 minutes until just done. Reserve about ¾ cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti.

How to assemble the dish: Toss the drained spaghetti with the corn puree, ham, and butter. If the sauce seems too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

How To Make Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham

Take your usual spaghetti dish up a notch by making it with a creamy corn sauce, tossed with ham, and butter, offering a combo of sweet and salty in a dish.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4earslarge corn
¾cupheavy cream
3tbspflat-leaf parsley,chopped
½tspsalt
¼tspfresh ground black pepper
¾lbspaghetti
¼lbham,sliced
2tbspbutter

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the ears of the corn for about 3 minutes until just done.
Remove the corn from the pot, and save the hot water to cook the spaghetti.
When the ears of corn are cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob. There should be about 3 cups of kernels.
Put the corn in a food processor with the cream, parsley, salt, and pepper
Pulse 3 or 4 times to chop the corn to a coarse puree.
Return the water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for about 12 minutes until just done.
Reserve about ¾ cup of the pasta water.
Drain the spaghetti and toss with ⅓ cup of the reserved pasta water, the corn mixture, ham, and butter.
If the sauce seems too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water.

Recipe Notes

To cut the kernels from an ear of corn, break the ear in half with he hands, or cut it with a knife. Stand each half on end on a cutting board and, using a large knife, cut straight down the sides to remove the kernels. It’s easier to cut the kernels off the cooked corn than the raw because the juice splatters less.
Wine Recommendation: For this all-American dish, try an American white wine from a lesser-known East Coast region. Look for a fairly acidic chardonnay or sauvignon blanc from Virginia, the Finger Lakes region of New York or even Rhode Island.

Nutrition

Calories: 691.06kcal
Fat: 27.95g
Saturated Fat: 15.46g
Trans Fat: 0.24g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.27g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.23g
Carbohydrates: 92.88g
Fiber: 6.09g
Sugar: 12.50g
Protein: 21.55g
Cholesterol: 92.56mg
Sodium: 660.64mg
Calcium: 63.15mg
Potassium: 710.55mg
Iron: 2.35mg
Vitamin A: 256.89µg
Vitamin C: 14.92mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham

When preparing the corn for this spaghetti with creamy corn and ham recipe, ensure to cut the kernels off the cob as close to the cob as possible to maximize the amount of corn you get. However, be careful not to cut into the cob itself, as this can result in tough bits in your sauce. Using a sharp knife and a steady hand will make this process easier and safer.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delicious Pasta Dish

Prep ahead: Cut the corn off the cob and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Cook and dice the ham in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.

Use pre-cooked ham: Save time by using pre-cooked ham, such as leftover ham from a previous meal or pre-packaged diced ham from the store.

Multi-task: While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the corn and ham mixture to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

One-pot cooking: Consider using a large pot to cook the corn, spaghetti, and ham in succession, reducing the number of dishes to clean.

Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup time, making the process more efficient and enjoyable.

Substitute Ingredients For Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham Recipe

corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh corn, especially when it's not in season. It provides a similar sweet and crunchy texture to the dish.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, adding a rich and creamy texture to the dish while infusing a subtle coconut flavor.
spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine is a suitable substitute for spaghetti, offering a similar long, flat shape that holds the creamy sauce well.
ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ham, providing a similar smoky flavor and adding a delicious depth to the dish.

Best Way to Present Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham

Elevate the plating: As a chef, presentation is key. Consider using a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the creamy corn and ham spaghetti. This will allow the dish to be the focal point and create a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley on top of the dish to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a layer of flavor to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as a delicate sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or finely chopped crispy prosciutto. This will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of the spaghetti and elevate the overall dining experience.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of the components on the plate. Ensure that each element, from the spaghetti to the corn and ham, is thoughtfully arranged to create a visually stunning and balanced presentation.
Emphasize the colors: Highlight the vibrant colors of the dish by using a neutral-colored plate or bowl. The contrast between the golden corn, green parsley, and the creamy spaghetti will make the dish visually striking.
Consider the vessel: Opt for a sophisticated and elegant serving vessel that complements the upscale dining experience. A refined ceramic bowl or a minimalist plate can elevate the overall presentation of the spaghetti with creamy corn and ham.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Creamy Pasta Recipe

Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the corn and cooking the spaghetti.
Food processor: A food processor is used to puree the corn with cream, parsley, salt, and pepper to create a creamy sauce.
Colander: A colander is used to drain the cooked spaghetti.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife is needed to cut the kernels off the corn cob.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl may be used for tossing the spaghetti with the corn mixture, ham, and butter.
Tongs: Tongs can be used to remove the corn from the boiling water and to toss the spaghetti with the sauce.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Leftover Creamy Pasta

To store leftover spaghetti with creamy corn and ham, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
To freeze, portion the cooled spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen spaghetti with creamy corn and ham, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a little cream or milk to restore the creamy texture of the sauce.
Pro tip: When freezing, consider portioning the spaghetti into individual serving sizes for convenient and quick meals later on. This way, you can easily reheat only what you need without having to thaw the entire batch.

How To Reheat Leftover Creamy Corn and Ham Pasta

Reheat the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Drain well and set aside.
In a separate pan, melt a pat of butter over medium heat. Add the corn mixture and ham and stir gently until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Toss the heated spaghetti with the warm corn and ham sauce until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the spaghetti in a large skillet with a bit of olive oil or butter. Toss the pasta frequently over medium-high heat until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. Then, add the corn and ham mixture and toss until combined and heated through.
If you prefer a creamier texture, place the spaghetti, corn mixture, and ham in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dish is heated through and the sauce is creamy. This method may take a bit longer, but it helps maintain the original creamy texture of the dish.

Interesting Trivia About Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham

Spaghetti with creamy corn and ham is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Is Making This Creamy Pasta Recipe Budget-Friendly?

This spaghetti with creamy corn and ham recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as corn, spaghetti, and ham, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of heavy cream and parsley may slightly increase the cost, but the dish still offers good value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8.

Is This Creamy Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This spaghetti with creamy corn and ham recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients. The heavy cream and butter add significant amounts of saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess. Additionally, the ham is likely high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

However, there are some positive aspects to this recipe. Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and the parsley adds a pop of freshness and nutrition. The spaghetti itself, if made from whole grain pasta, can provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt, to reduce the saturated fat content
Use a smaller amount of butter or substitute it with a healthier option like olive oil
Opt for a low-sodium ham or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp
Increase the amount of parsley or add other vegetables, like spinach or cherry tomatoes, to boost the nutrient content
Choose whole grain spaghetti to increase the fiber and nutrient profile of the dish

Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Spaghetti Recipe

This recipe for spaghetti with creamy corn and ham is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cream create a luscious sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully. The addition of ham adds a savory note that balances the dish perfectly. The use of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful twist on a classic pasta dish, and it's sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Enhance Your Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey and a hint of cinnamon for a delightful side dish.

Balsamic Grilled Vegetables: A colorful medley of grilled vegetables marinated in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Velvety smooth mashed potatoes made with butter, cream, and a touch of garlic for a comforting side dish.

Mixed Berry Salad: A refreshing salad featuring a mix of fresh berries, tossed in a light vinaigrette and topped with crumbled feta cheese.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Creamy Pasta Dish

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy and flavorful risotto is a perfect comfort food for any occasion. The combination of mushrooms, arborio rice, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This sweet and savory glazed salmon is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. The honey and garlic marinade adds a burst of flavor to the tender and flaky salmon fillets.

Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad: This refreshing and vibrant salad combines the sweetness of grilled peaches with the saltiness of prosciutto, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Tossed with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette, it's a delightful summer dish.

Butternut Squash Soup: This velvety and comforting soup is made with roasted butternut squash, onions, and a hint of nutmeg. It's a warm and satisfying dish that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for a Meal Featuring This Pasta Dish

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: Elevate a simple bruschetta by topping toasted baguette slices with a flavorful mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. This classic Italian appetizer is a refreshing and vibrant way to start any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Apple Crisp: Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a crispy oat topping. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

Why trust this Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of fresh corn with the richness of heavy cream and the savory notes of ham. The use of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, while the incorporation of spaghetti provides a comforting and satisfying base. The method of blending the corn with cream creates a lusciously creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The inclusion of reserved pasta water ensures a harmonious consistency. Trust in the balance of ingredients and the culinary expertise behind this recipe for a truly enjoyable dining experience.

Have you tried this Spaghetti with Creamy Corn and Ham recipe? Let us know your thoughts or any variations you've made in the Recipe Sharing forum section!

FAQ:

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn as a substitute for fresh corn. Just make sure to thaw the frozen corn before using it in the recipe.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, or even macaroni would work well with the creamy corn and ham sauce.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham?

Of course! You can use cooked bacon, sausage, or even shredded chicken as a delicious alternative to ham.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the creamy corn and ham sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of pasta water to make a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.