Ham-Linguine Florentine
A creamy ham and spinach linguine dish packed with flavor, featuring mushrooms, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dried thyme, crushed ⓘ
- 13 oz. beef broth ⓘ
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. ham, julienned ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 2 oz. linguine per person ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh spinach, washed, trimmed and coarsely chopped
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook mushrooms and onion in margarine and oil until onion is tender but not brown.
- Stir in flour and thyme; mix well.
- Add the beef broth and milk all at once.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
- Cook and stir 1 minute more.
- Stir in ham, parsley, and mustard, using a wooden spoon to thoroughly combine.
- Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Add cooked linguine and chopped spinach to the sauce, tossing to combine and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of butter and olive oil instead of margarine. If you're out of Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works in a pinch, though it’s milder. Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen; just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly. For a heartier version, add a splash of white wine to the sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with Grilled Steamed Hamburgers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ham-Linguine Florentine with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors well. For a hearty option, consider pairing it with Pumpkin-Beef Stew, as the flavors will harmonize nicely. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch and enjoy!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to the pan to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Heat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the pasta and sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Linguine Florentine contains roughly 1426 calories, with 25g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (171% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (150% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is traditional, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. Whole grain or gluten-free options also work well, maintaining the overall balance of flavors in the dish.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You might also add some cooked beans or extra mushrooms for added protein and texture. The remaining ingredients will still create a delicious and satisfying meal.
How can I make this dish creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of evaporated milk or add a bit of cream cheese to the sauce. Another option is to incorporate some grated Parmesan cheese, which will add both creaminess and a rich flavor to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).