Many of us tend to enjoy pasta more with a bit of sauce on top of it. The creamier the better! We have prepared several reasons why you should particularly try out the homemade pasta sauce made of 3 main ingredients: ham, spinach and corn.
- Unique taste: The combination of pasta, ham, corn, spinach and creamy filling promises a delicious and satisfying meal for any family member or a visitor.
- Nutrition: This recipe offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the ham, vitamins and minerals from the spinach as well as the richness of dairy products like cheese and cream.
- Versatility: Are you missing any of the 3 main ingredients? No problem! You can adjust the recipe based on food items you have at home. The recipe is convenient and flexible for different preferences as well as dietary restrictions, in case you need to remove / replace anything.
- Simple preparation: This homemade pasta sauce is quite easy to follow. Therefore, it can be tried out by both inexperienced as well as skilled cooks.
- Health benefits: Used ingredients like spinach or turmeric provide additional health advantages, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Family-friendly: This creamy pasta addition is very likely to appeal to a wide range of tastes, making it a great option for children as well as adult family members and visitors.
Are you expecting any celebratory gatherings in the near future or simply don’t know what to make for lunch or dinner today? Let’s prepare the homemade pasta sauce which will save your precious time as well as energy, since you don’t have to put much effort into this recipe!
Ingredients
- 400 g of favorite pasta – spaghetti, pappardelle, tagliatelle, fussili, penne,
- 100-150 g of ham,
- 2 handfuls of sterilised or frozen corn,
- 2 handfuls of fresh spinach,
- 100-150 g of processed cheese or cream spread – to thicken the sauce,
- 150 ml of milk,
- 250 ml of whipped cream,
- 2 tablespoons of butter or oil,
- 1 small onion,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- Grated cheese depends on preferences (Parmesan gives an excellent taste but so does Edam or Gouda),
- Salt,
- Ground black pepper,
- Little bit of turmeric
Preparation of the homemade pasta sauce
1
Cut the stewed (smoked) ham into small cubes. You can also make thinner noodles.
2Clean the onion, chop it finely and fry it in butter (oil) until translucent.
3Let the water boil for the pasta, cook it according to the instructions while preparing the sauce.
4Add crushed garlic to the sautéing of onions. When they start to smell properly, add the ham.
5
For the next step, add the corn and the processed cheese, or for the healthier version a cream spread.
6Add the whipped cream as well as pepper, salt, ground black pepper and turmeric.
7Boil the sauce and add fresh spinach leaves that we had thoroughly washed before.
8If we want more of the homemade pasta sauce, add more milk and cream spread. Then boil.
9Grated cheese also thickens the pasta sauce, so do not hesitate to add more if you wish. Feel free to use other ingredients as well, basically anything what’s suitable and left in the fridge.
10Add the drained pasta to the prepared sauce. Mix and serve.
Bon appetite! Your homemade pasta sauce is ready to be served!
Do you want to prepare traditional 3 course lunch or dinner? How about the tasty tomato soup, with the delicious cheesecake at the end? You cannot do wrong with such combinations from Hanna’s recipes.com!
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Read more: Other sauces you may like
If this homemade pasta sauce doesn’t meet your likings, we have prepared a list of other sauces you may prefer:
- Marinara sauce: A classic Italian tomato-based sauce made of tomatoes, garlic, onions, herbs (basil and oregano) and sometimes a splash of red wine. Marinara sauce is versatile and pairs well with various pasta shapes.
- Pesto sauce: Originating from Genoa in Italy, pesto sauce is prepared from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese and olive oil, all well blended together into a vibrant green sauce. Pesto adds a burst of fresh flavour to pasta dishes and is specifically delicious with spaghetti and fusilli.
- Alfredo sauce: A rich and creamy sauce made of butter, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Alfredo sauce is often served with fettuccine and other long pasta shapes.
- Arrabbiata sauce: A spicy tomato sauce made of tomatoes, garlic, red chilli peppers and olive oil. Arrabbiata sauce adds a kick of heat to various pasta dishes and pairs well with penne and rigatoni.
- Carbonara sauce: A traditional Roman sauce made of eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta or guanciale (cured pork jowl), black pepper and sometimes cream. Carbonara sauce creates a creamy and savory coating for spaghetti and bucatini.
- Bolognese sauce: Also known as ragù alla bolognese. This hearty meat sauce comes from Bologna in Italy. Bolognese sauce is made of ground meat (typically beef or pork), onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, wine and broth, simmered together to create a rich and flavourful sauce. It pairs well with tagliatelle and pappardelle.
FAQ no.1: Any tips for enhancing the store-bought pasta sauce?
The homemade pasta sauce surely adds on the quality of the meal, but you should generally be open-minded about the store-bought options as well. They are quite convenient these days, especially from the perspective of saving plenty of time.
You can enhance the store-bought pasta sauce by adding fresh herbs (basil or parsley), vegetables (onions, bell peppers or mushrooms) as well as properly cooked meat (ground beef, sausage or chicken). You also cannot make any mistakes with additional seasonings, including red pepper flakes or grated cheese to thicken the sauce in the appealing way.
FAQ no.2: Can I serve the pasta sauce with something other than pasta?
Of course! The homemade pasta sauce is often used as a versatile ingredient in various dishes, not only on top of different pasta shapes. You can utilise it as a dipping sauce for bread and mozzarella sticks, as a topping for pizza and bruschetta or as a sauce for meatballs and chicken parmesan. Any creativity here is highly supported and the chosen dish for the prepared pasta sauce should mainly serve your current cravings and needs.
