Quick Ham and Cheese Pasta: Coquillettes Ready in 30 Minutes

Coquillettes with ham and cheese is a beloved classic of French home cooking, a dish that instantly brings to mind comfort and simplicity. This particular version has been expertly adapted to be ready in less than half an hour, making it an ideal choice for those busy weeknight evenings when time is often limited, yet the craving for a nutritious and flavoursome meal remains strong. Our approach is designed to maximise efficiency, enabling you to prepare the creamy sauce whilst the pasta cooks, thereby significantly reducing any idle moments. The result is a truly satisfying and creamy dish, bringing a delightful touch of French tradition to your table without any unnecessary fuss.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 10.6 oz (300g) coquillettes (or similar small pasta)
• 7 oz (200g) diced cooked ham
• 1.8 oz (50g) unsalted butter
• 1.8 oz (50g) plain flour
• 17 fl oz (500ml) whole milk
• 3.5 oz (100g) grated Emmental (or Gruyère)
• 1.8 oz (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Bring a large pan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the coquillettes and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2. Whilst the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over a medium heat. Stir in the plain flour vigorously with a whisk to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Gradually whisk in the cold whole milk to the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a lovely creamy consistency.
4. Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat. Stir in the grated Emmental and Parmesan cheese, a generous pinch of nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth.
5. Drain the al dente coquillettes and transfer them directly into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Add the diced cooked ham.
6. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the coquillettes with ham and cheese whilst hot and freshly prepared to enjoy their maximum creaminess. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and gently warm in a pan or microwave, stirring frequently.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions. This dish provides carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, contributing to a balanced meal.

One Last Thing

Embracing an efficient approach to cooking can transform busy evenings into truly enjoyable moments. This recipe perfectly shows how, with minimal steps and good organisation, you can achieve a flavourful and satisfying meal without sacrificing your time. A mindful approach to meal prep with SmartKitchen30 makes cooking less stressful and far more rewarding for a serene weekly routine.

Part of a weekly plan

This recipe is Day 4 of the Week 49 plan: seven 30-minute dinners and one shopping list.

See the Week 49 plan →

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