Go Back

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!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Coquillettes au Jambon
  • 250 g coquillettes pasta
  • 150 g cooked ham, diced
  • 200 ml heavy cream
  • 150 g grated Gruyère cheese
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Now, reduce the heat to low, and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let the mixture heat through.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Carefully add the cooked coquillettes to the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the cheesy goodness to a serving dish and sprinkle it with the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
  7. 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!