Espagueti a la Crema + VIDEO

Espagueti a la Crema (or Spaghetti with Ham and Cream Sauce) is a busy mom’s best friend. This classic Mexican recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Watch the video or follow the step-by-step pictures below.

You’re going to love this recipe! Espagueti a la Crema is one of my childhood favorites. I can see why it was one of my mom’s go-to dishes. It’s super duper easy and so yummy. Now, as a busy mom myself, it’s one of my go-to meals.

Add water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Cover the pot. It will come to a boil quicker if there’s a lid. I do not kid. Ha!

Salt is something of a must. The pasta does not come seasoned. I’ve developed an addiction to sea salt from Baja California. I may never go back to iodized salt again!

Uncover and add the salt. Give this a second or two. The boiling water will be roaring. I am water. Hear me roar. LOL.

I’m using regular spaghetti. Angel hair spaghetti works well too. What I like about Espagueti a la Crema is that the ingredients are ingredients you might already have on hand.

Tidbit: 95% of the pastas consumed in Mexico is spaghetti.

In the meantime, make the sauce. Start by adding half a stick of butter in a large skillet. Forget fake news. Don’t use fake butter. Only the real deal will appeal.

This is diced onion. Dice is nice. Don’t go too far away. It won’t take long to cook. Maybe 1-2 minutes.

Got leftover deli ham? I sure do! My husband loves a good Torta de Jamón. We’re often left with more than half a package in the fridge. Chop it up and make Espagueti a la Crema.

More salt… This time it goes into the skillet. Don’t kill it. Start small. That’s why I’m only adding ½ teaspoon. It might even need more salt. Taste as you.

I am using crema mexicana. However, you can also use sour cream. If you like it creamier, add cream cheese. Let it melt slightly, then add the crema mexicana. Creamy is oh so dreamy.

Time to add the cooked spaghetti to the pot. Mix well to combine. If you’re into spice, top the Espagueti a la Crema with some chopped chipotle in adobo sauce.

Espagueti a la Crema is a yummy and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can also add peas, spinach, and / or mushrooms to make it a more complete meal. Hope you enjoy!

History Lesson: How did Luigi get to Mexico, and what did Mario serve him?
Hard to believe, but Italians have been around Mexico for a long, long time. The Conquistadors arrived with Italian priests and monks of the Franciscan and Dominican Orders. It wasn’t until the late 19th century, though, that mass groups of Italians moved to Mexico. Italians have also played a big part in the gastronomy of Baja California, Mexico. For example, the Cesar salad was invented by an Italian immigrant to Mexico, and L.A. Cetto is one of the most notable wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe and produced by an Italian-Mexican family, the Cetto family.

Don’t forget to watch the video on How to make Espagueti a la Crema

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Espagueti a la Crema

Espagueti a la Crema (or Spaghetti with Ham and Cream Sauce) is a busy mom’s best friend. This classic Mexican recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Delicious and oh so tasty!

Prep Time2 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time22 mins

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 4

Calories: 473kcal

Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

• Water
• ½ box of spaghetti
• ½ stick of butter
• ¼ onion diced
• ½ 14- ounce deli ham package diced
• 1 15- ounces crema mexicana container or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon salt + ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

• In a large pot, add water. 
• Bring to a boil. 
• Add 1 tablespoon salt and dried spaghetti. 
• Cook according to package. 
• In a large skillet, add butter and onion. 
• Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. 
• Add the ham and ½ teaspoon salt. 
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. 
• Add crema mexicana (or sour cream, if using). 
• Sir to combine. 
• Cook for 1 minute. 
• Turn heat off. 
• Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. 
• Mix well with the ham and cream sauce. 
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

If you don't have sour cream or crema mexicana, you can also use plain yogurt. 

If you like it creamier, add cream cheese. 

For a spicier dish, top the Espagueti a la Crema with some chopped chipotle in adobo sauce.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Espagueti a la Crema

Amount Per Serving

Calories 473 Calories from Fat 360

% Daily Value*

Fat 40g62%

Saturated Fat 19g119%

Cholesterol 123mg41%

Sodium 1312mg57%

Potassium 464mg13%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 25g50%

Vitamin A 706IU14%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 132mg13%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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