Creamy Fettuccine with Ham and Pistachios
Ingredients:
12 oz fresh fettuccine pasta (or 1 package of dried fettuccine)
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz pink ham (thinly sliced or diced)
1/4 cup chopped pistachios (roasted)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes for fresh pasta).
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Ham and Pistachios:
Add the diced pink ham to the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until the ham is warmed through.
Stir in half of the chopped pistachios, allowing them to infuse the sauce with a bit of crunch.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until the pasta is well coated. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Stir in the remaining pistachios for added crunch and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve:
Plate the pasta, making sure to scoop up some of the creamy sauce with each serving. Top with a few extra chopped pistachios for a pop of color and texture.
Enjoy!
This creamy, savory pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Pair it with a crisp white wine and enjoy the rich textures of the creamy sauce, tender ham, and crunchy pistachios!