Rich Ricotta Cheese and Spam Cream Pasta
Spam Leftovers? Creamy Ricotta Cheese and Spam Pasta – Loaded with Spam and Sauce!
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover Spam after holidays. If you’re struggling to decide what to do with it, this is a fantastic option. Designed for those who love plenty of sauce, this recipe delivers a rich, flavorful cream pasta. Enjoy the abundant sauce and the delightful combination of Spam, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Main Ingredients- Spaghetti pasta, 3 servings
- Fresh heavy cream, 500ml
- Milk, 200ml
- 1 can (approx. 200g) Spam
- 1 medium onion
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 head broccoli
- 6 button mushrooms
- Ricotta cheese, 200g to 300g
- Parsley flakes (for garnish)
- Grated cheese (optional)
Seasoning & Others- 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for frying Spam)
- 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for frying Spam)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
A key tip for making pasta is to prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. It’s recommended to start boiling the water for the pasta just before you begin frying the Spam to save time. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
Step 2
The most crucial step for this Spam pasta is to fry the Spam until crispy, just like bacon, to maximize its flavor. Lightly grease a pan with cooking oil, then add the diced Spam. Fry over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3
Once the Spam is nicely browned, add the minced garlic (2 Tbsp) and stir-fry together over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 4
Here’s the look of the Spam after being perfectly stir-fried with garlic. This step is a vital tip for a rich flavor.
Step 5
Now, add the sliced onion and the mushrooms cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of black pepper. Continue to stir-fry over medium-high heat for about 2 more minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 6
While the Spam and vegetables are stir-frying, add the pasta (spaghetti) to the boiling water. It’s usually cooked for about 7 minutes, but for this recipe, we recommend cooking it for only 5 minutes to achieve an ‘al dente’ texture. It will finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 7
To prevent sticking and to help create a sauce consistency, add about 2 ladlefuls of the pasta cooking water (pasta water) to the pan. Stir and cook over medium-high heat for another 2 minutes, allowing the Spam and vegetables to meld with the pasta water.
Step 8
Broccoli is packed with nutrients! Instead of adding it raw, it’s best to blanch it first. Boil some water with 1/2 tsp of salt, add the broccoli florets for about 30 seconds, then drain and chop them into smaller pieces before adding to the pan. (Half a head of broccoli is usually sufficient, but feel free to use a whole head if you love broccoli!).
Step 9
Now, let’s make the creamy sauce base. Pour the heavy cream (500ml) into the pan and cook over low heat for about 1 minute, stirring gently. Be careful not to let the cream boil vigorously; just warm it gently.
Step 10
Add the milk (200ml) and continue to stir and cook over low heat for 1 minute. The cream and milk will combine to create a smooth and rich sauce.
Step 11
Add the pasta, which has been cooked for 5 minutes, to the sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the sauce beautifully, creating a delicious ‘sauce-rich’ style pasta.
Step 12
Just before turning off the heat, add the ricotta cheese (200-300g) in dollops. The residual heat will gently melt the cheese, adding a deep and creamy flavor to the sauce. (You can also add mozzarella cheese along with it for extra creaminess!).
Step 13
Voilà! Your delicious Ricotta Cheese Spam Cream Pasta is ready. The combination of cream sauce, Spam, and ricotta cheese is truly divine. (The broccoli is highly recommended as it balances the richness of the cream sauce perfectly).
Step 14
Presentation is key for pasta! Arrange the pasta noodles neatly in a serving bowl using tongs. Then, spoon the Spam, vegetables, and plenty of sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley flakes or grated cheese for a restaurant-quality finish. Enjoy your meal!
