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Home » Recipes » Mexican » Espagueti a la Crema + VIDEO

Espagueti a la Crema + VIDEO

Last Updated August 11, 2022. Originally Posted August 24, 2018 By Maggie Unzueta

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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!
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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. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen

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.

Espagueti a la Crema, Spaghetti with Ham and Cream Sauce, on white plate surrounded by dried pasta and a fork

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.

Pot of water

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!

A red teaspoon of salt over a pot with a lid on a stove

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!

Pot of boiling water

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

Dried spaghetti standing in a pot of boiling water

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.

Half a stick of butter in a skillet

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.

Butter and onion cooking in a skillet

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

Chopped ham in a skillet over cooked onions

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.

A red teaspoon of salt with the ham and onion skillet in the background.

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.

Crema mexicana in a skillet with diced ham and onions

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.

Cooked spaghetti added to the skillet and mixed with the ham and cream sauce.

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.

Close up of espagueti a la crema with a cilantro leaf in the center

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

Espagueti a la Crema with a cilantro leaf in the center

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!
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
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!

Video

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

Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 1312mg | Potassium: 464mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 706IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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Filed Under: Lunch Recipes, Mexican, Pork, Recipes

About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Krystle

    October 10, 2018 at 7:34 pm

    So many things I love in this dish, you can never go wrong with pasta!

    Reply
  2. krystal

    January 2, 2019 at 2:11 pm

    I have actually never had spaghetti and ham like this! Looks like something good to try!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      January 10, 2019 at 5:39 pm

      Espagueti a la Crema is a very common Mexican recipe. Super yummy too!

      Reply
  3. Gena

    January 2, 2019 at 2:29 pm

    I am vegetarian, but I am sure it will taste great even without crema! Also, ever since we went to Italy for the first time, we started using ” a la” way more than we should hahaha

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      January 10, 2019 at 5:40 pm

      We recently visited Italy. It was an awesome trip. Even without the hame, this recipe for Espagueti a la Crema is delicious.

      Reply
  4. Patricia

    January 3, 2019 at 12:18 pm

    The ham and noodles would make this a new dish for me but it looks like a really tasty combination!!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      January 10, 2019 at 5:43 pm

      I love the combination of ham and cream in Espagueti a la Crema.

      Reply
  5. karen

    January 3, 2019 at 2:10 pm

    looks like i have dinner planned. this is so easy and looks amazing. i love me some creamy spaghetti

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      January 10, 2019 at 5:44 pm

      Right! I love easy recipes especially this one for espagueti a la crema. It’s done in under 30 minutes!

      Reply
  6. Clair

    January 3, 2019 at 8:41 pm

    Say what?! This will be added to my dinner menu!

    Reply
  7. Jacqueline

    September 11, 2019 at 3:30 pm

    5 stars
    I am Mexican too! I had a basic recipe before but, I have been trying different ways of making espageti ala crema. Your recipe is by far my favorite! My whole family loves it!

    Reply
  8. Stephanie

    July 29, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    5 stars
    Always a favorite in my home! Delicious!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 30, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      Glad you enjoyed Stephanie!

      Reply
  9. Odetti

    January 27, 2021 at 5:58 pm

    5 stars
    I just decided to cook some white, creamy spaghetti on a whim and went looking up recipes and found this one. My husband and kids can be picky, so I figured I’d try this recipe out since it’s Mexican inspired (Husband is Mexican, I’m Dominican). All I did was add about a cup of 2% milk to make it a little bit more creamy and not as dry. I used chopped FUD turkey ham, and a mix of sour cream and Mexican crema since I was almost out of crema. I always cook my angel hair (prefer that over spaghetti) with salt and oil. It turned out pretty good and creamy. My kids are eating as I type this. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      January 28, 2021 at 8:45 am

      So glad you and your family enjoyed this!

      Reply
  10. Anonymous

    October 7, 2021 at 3:47 am

    5 stars
    Super busy mom here …this recipe was such a great idea,,, super fast snd super easy…super Delish
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      October 7, 2021 at 10:40 am

      My son LOVES this dish. Glad I could help!

      Reply

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iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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