This spaghetti Blanco, also known as spaghetti con crema, is extremely easy and the perfect dish for a rich weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It combines the comforting familiarity of spaghetti with the rich and creamy flavors of Mexican crema, Monterey Jack cheese, and ham, creating a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.

Spaghetti Con Crema
Spaghetti and other types of pasta were introduced in Mexico in the mid-1800s, where they were a dish reserved for the aristocratic classes of the time. Today, many types of pasta and fideos are more popular to prepare soups that are common for midday meals. However, pastas like spaghetti with cream, spaghetti with tomato sauce, pasta with chorizo, and pasta with poblano sauce are also made for special occasions (christenings, weddings, birthdays, and important celebrations.) This Spaghetti with Cream dish is also very popular as a side dish for Christmas and Año Nuevo (New Year’s) dinners, next to Christmas apple salad and Roasted pork leg.
Some will recognize this recipe as the Mexican counterpart of the famous "Alfredo" pasta. There are many recipes for this “Pasta a la Crema,” with only a few variations that have been passed down at the dinner table, from one generation to another. So, if you're looking to add a delicious twist to your classic spaghetti, give this recipe a try, it is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Let's get cooking!
How to make Spaghetti Blanco
Ingredients:
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this easy homemade pasta blanca.
- Spaghetti pasta
- White onion
- Bay leaf
- Butter
- Baked ham cut into small cubes
- Mexican Cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Monterrey Jack Cheese
- Parsley for serving (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
- Fill a large pot with water, add the onion and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and add the spaghetti. Stir often to help keep it from sticking. (Please check the ingredients list below)
- While the spaghetti is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, and add the ham and cream.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain and discard the onion and bay leaves. Then, toss the pasta into the saucepan with the ham and cream mixture to coat evenly.
- (If the pasta is too dry for your taste, add a couple of warm milk and mix.) Season with salt and pepper.
- At this point you can stir in the cheese to melt and serve or if you want to bake it proceed to preheat the oven to 350F and butter a 9 by 6-IN baking dish.
- Mix ½ of the cheese with the spaghetti, stir to combine, then transfer to the baking dish and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes to melt the cheese. To serve, garnish with chopped parsley. You will love this one!
¡Buen provecho!
Notes, tips, and Substitutions
- If you can find a thick slice of ham, ask on the deli counter for a ⅓ inch thick slice.
- The recipe traditionally uses Chihuahua cheese, but it is only easily available in Mexico. You can also use a mild white cheddar cheese besides Monterrey Jack.
- Mexican crema is rich, slightly sweet, and creamier than regular sour cream. If you can’t find it at your local grocery store, check out my recipe for Mexican crema to make it at home.
What To Serve With This White Spaghetti Recipe
Spaghetti con crema is great as a main dish or with many other dishes like chicken salad and a few slices of Roasted pork leg as part of a celebration meal. However, this easy dish can also be enjoyed any time of the year, next to grilled chicken or shrimp.
More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe for spaghetti con crema, take a look at some of these other quick pickling recipes:
I hope you make this easy pasta recipe! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!
Frequently Asked Questions about Spaghetti Blanco
I would like to share some of the few questions I've been asked and my answers.
What is Spaghetti Blanco?
Spaghetti Blanco, typically featuring ingredients like Mexican crema, cheese, garlic, and sometimes butter or olive oil. It has a rich, smooth texture and mild flavor.
Is spaghetti blanco the same as Alfredo pasta?
Well, kinda. You see, they both have a white creamy sauce, pasta, and cheese, but the sauce has slightly different ingredients. The Alfredo sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan, while the Mexican white pasta base is made with Mexican crema and Chihuahua cheese.
Can I use regular cream or sour cream instead of Mexican crema?
Even though you can, I would recommend replacing it with heavy cream or better yet making your own Mexican crema with my recipe for Mexican crema or using crème fraîche.
How long does Spaghetti Blanco last, and how should I store it?
Place your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk or heavy cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture.
Can I make Spaghetti Blanco ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to serve, and reheat the sauce on the stovetop, adding a little pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
For more recipes, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. In español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina or subscribe to our newsletter.
📖 Recipe
Spaghetti Blanco | Spaghetti a la Crema
Ingredients
- ½ Spaghetti pasta 8 oz
- ¼ small white onion
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbs butter 1 Tbsp. extra if baking the pasta
- 1 cup baked ham cut in small cubes* 4 ½ oz
- ½ cup Mexican Cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Monterrey Jack Cheese**
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, and add the onion and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Stir often to help keep it from sticking. Cook for 9 minutes.
- Just before the spaghetti is done, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ham and cream and cook for a couple of minutes, just enough to warm them up.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain and discard the onion and bay leaves. Then add the pasta to the saucepan with the ham and cream mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- If the pasta is too dry for your taste, add some warm milk and mix. Season with salt and pepper. At this point you can stir in the cheese to melt and serve or if you want to bake it.
- To bake, preheat oven to 350F, and butter a 9 by 6-IN baking dish.
- Mix ½ of the cheese with the spaghetti, stir to combine, then transfer to the baking dish and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes to melt the cheese. To serve, garnish with chopped parsley. You will love this one!
Notes
- If you can find a thick slice of ham, ask on the deli counter for a ⅓ inch thick slice.
- The recipe traditionally uses Chihuahua cheese, but it is only easily available in Mexico. You can also use a mild white cheddar cheese besides Monterrey Jack.
- Mexican crema is rich, slightly sweet, and creamier than regular sour cream. If you can’t find it at your local grocery store, check out my recipe for Mexican crema to make it at home.
Cristina
Encuentro pasta con crema--y jamón--en la mayoría de las cocinas económicas de CDMX y de otros lugares en muchas partes. A veces es codos, a veces espagheti, o puede ser cualquier pasta que haya. Se presenta siempre después de la sopa aguada, tipo sopa seca en vez del arroz. A mi me encanta.
Mely Martínez
Que rico!
Saludos Cristina!
Margaret
What is the green herb you used in the photos?
mmartinez
Hello Margaret,
Parsley!
Lisa
Hello,
The Mexican Cream-is this whipping cream? Or does the container specify Mexican Cream?
Thank you for your time.
Mely Martínez
Hello Lisa,
Most grocery stores now carry the "Mexican Crema", look for it at the dairy section. The most popular brand is Cacique, but nowadays you can find other brands.
If you do not find it, mix sour cream with the crema sold to make whipping cream.
Rosalynda
My brother in law always talked about eating spaghetti con crema after Christmas for years with the leftover ham and I think I've finally found it. So simple & so delicious, thank you.
Mely Martínez
Hello Roalynda,
I hope you enjoy the Spaghetti con crema.
PETER GRIN
IN THE BAJA, THIS RECIPE IS MADE WITH CAMARONES (SHRIMP) AND JALAPENO INSTEAD OF JAMON (HAM)
mmartinez
Hello Peter,
Thank you for sharing that tip.