There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of pasta, especially when it’s a delightful dish like Coquillettes au Jambon. This French take on macaroni and cheese, filled with creamy flavors and savory ham, will surely take you back to cozy family dinners or simple gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s easy to whip up and can be made in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
Why You’ll Love Coquillettes au Jambon – French Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 250g coquillettes pasta: These small, shell-shaped pasta pieces are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- 150g cooked ham, diced: A great way to add protein and flavor to your dish.
- 200ml heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and velvety.
- 150g grated Gruyère cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor.
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty kick that brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon butter: To sauté the ham and add a touch of richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning your dish to perfection.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A sprinkle of freshness to brighten up the dish.
How to Make Coquillettes au Jambon – French Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
- Start by cooking the coquillettes pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced ham and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it gets slightly crispy; this adds a lovely texture.
- Now, reduce the heat to low, and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let the mixture heat through.
- Next, stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carefully add the cooked coquillettes to the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the cheesy goodness to a serving dish and sprinkle it with the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Finally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Coquillettes au Jambon!
Substitutions & Additions
If you want to get creative, consider these substitutions or additions:
- You can swap out the ham for cooked chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique twist.
- Add some veggies like peas or spinach to boost the nutrition.
- For a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!
Tips for Success
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; you want it to have a slight bite.
- When adding the cream, keep the heat low to prevent it from curdling.
- If you’re prepping ahead, you can cook the pasta and ham mixture separately, then combine them just before serving.
How to Store Coquillettes au Jambon – French Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy!
FAQs
- Can I freeze Coquillettes au Jambon? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
- What can I serve with this dish? A simple green salad or some crusty bread pairs beautifully with this creamy pasta.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and make sure your cheeses are gluten-free as well.
For more delicious recipes, check out this chicken adobo recipe or this simple birthday cake recipe for treats you will love!
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Coquillettes au Jambon – French Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
There's something so comforting about a warm bowl of pasta, especially when it's a delightful dish like Coquillettes au Jambon. This French take on macaroni and cheese, filled with creamy flavors and savory ham, will surely take you back to cozy family dinners or simple gatherings with friends. Plus, it's easy to whip up and can be made in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Start by cooking the coquillettes pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced ham and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it gets slightly crispy; this adds a lovely texture.
- Step 3: Now, reduce the heat to low, and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let the mixture heat through.
- Step 4: Next, stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Carefully add the cooked coquillettes to the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Step 6: Transfer the cheesy goodness to a serving dish and sprinkle it with the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Step 7: Finally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Coquillettes au Jambon!
Notes
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just place it in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy!
