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This hearty Ham Spaghetti Pasta with Spinach, Burrata Cheese, and Lemon Butter Sauce combines savory ham with fresh spring flavors for a truly memorable meal. I created this dish when looking for a creative way to use leftover Easter ham, and it's now become our go-to special dinner that still comes together in just 30 minutes.
Every time I serve this pasta, guests ask for the recipe. The combination of the silky butter sauce with the creamy burrata creates this luxurious experience that feels like something from an upscale Italian restaurant.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti forms the perfect base for catching all the delicious sauce
- Unsalted butter creates the foundation for a silky sauce you can season to your taste
- Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients that wilt perfectly into the dish
- Uncured ham provides a smoky depth without overpowering more delicate flavors
- Extra virgin olive oil use a good quality one as the flavor really shines through
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish with essential acidity
- Shelled pistachios contribute unexpected texture and a nutty dimension
- Burrata cheese creates pockets of incredible creaminess throughout the pasta
- Fresh herbs finish the dish with color and aromatic complexity
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually about 9 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Wilt the Spinach
- Melt the butter in a large, high sided skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the spinach in batches if necessary, gently turning with tongs until it just wilts. This should only take 1 to 2 minutes total. The spinach should retain its bright green color.
- Add the Ham and Create the Sauce
- Slice the ham into thin strips and add to the skillet with the wilted spinach. Pour in the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let this mixture warm for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to blend together and the ham to heat through.
- Combine with Pasta
- Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet, using tongs to gently toss everything together. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as you stir. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silkier consistency.
- Add the Cheese and Nuts
- Process the pistachios in a food processor until coarsely chopped but not powdered. Place torn pieces of burrata cheese on top of the hot pasta, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over everything just before serving.
- Finish and Garnish
- Arrange lemon slices around the edges of the pasta and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a light touch of salt, remembering that the ham and cheese already provide saltiness.
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I discovered this combination when experimenting with Easter leftovers one year. My Italian grandmother always taught me that pasta should be simple but use quality ingredients. The first time I added the burrata to this dish, my husband declared it better than any restaurant pasta he had ever tried.
Make Ahead Options
This pasta can be prepared up to a day ahead through step 4, just before adding the burrata. Store refrigerated in an airtight container, then gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce. Add the fresh burrata and pistachios just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
Ingredient Substitutions
No ham available? Prosciutto or pancetta make excellent alternatives, though cook time will vary. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms which provide similar umami flavor. If burrata is difficult to find, substitute fresh mozzarella mixed with a spoonful of cream. Walnuts or pine nuts can replace pistachios for a different but equally delicious crunch factor.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta shines as a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For a more substantial dinner, serve alongside roasted asparagus or a crusty loaf of Italian bread to soak up extra sauce. A light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, citrus notes perfectly.
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Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes, while spaghetti works beautifully with the sauce, you can substitute linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta shapes like penne or farfalle. The key is choosing a pasta that will hold the lemon butter sauce well.
- → What can I substitute for burrata cheese?
If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella makes the closest substitute. For a different but complementary flavor, try ricotta or a soft goat cheese. Each will bring a different texture but will work nicely with the ham and lemon flavors.
- → How do I store leftovers of this pasta dish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth and heat gently to restore moisture. The burrata won't maintain its original texture, but the dish will still be delicious.
- → What can I use instead of pistachios?
Toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds make excellent alternatives to pistachios. For a nut-free version, try toasted breadcrumbs or sunflower seeds for a similar textural contrast and crunch.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
For best results, prepare components separately up to 24 hours ahead. Cook pasta al dente and store with a touch of olive oil, prepare the spinach and ham mixture separately, and assemble with fresh burrata just before serving. Reheat the pasta and spinach-ham mixture gently before combining and topping with fresh burrata.
- → What type of ham works best in this pasta?
Uncured ham is specified in the recipe for its cleaner flavor, but you can use leftover holiday ham, prosciutto, or even Canadian bacon. Each will bring a different flavor profile but work wonderfully with the other ingredients.