Hearty Creamy Zucchini and Ham Pasta Delight

To start your culinary adventure with Creamy Zucchini and Ham Pasta, gather all your ingredients on the kitchen counter. Begin by chopping the zucchini into bite-sized pieces, dicing the ham (if not pre-diced), and mincing the garlic. This little prep work makes everything go smoother once you start cooking. It's always easier to have everything ready to go, especially for a dish that comes together as quickly as this one does!

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve about a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is your secret ingredient to making the sauce silky and ensuring it clings to the pasta perfectly.

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil then add the minced garlic. Sauté till fragrant, careful not to brown it. Toss in the zucchini and ham, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the ham starts to crisp up on the edges. It's this combination of textures that adds depth to the dish, making every bite a delight.

Lower the heat and pour the heavy cream into the skillet, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted into the cream, creating a rich and silky sauce. Fold the drained pasta into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure each strand is lovingly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot, garnished with a little extra Parmesan and perhaps a sprig of basil for that final touch.