Schinkennudeln (German Pasta with Ham and Eggs) Recipe
Introduction
Schinkennudeln is a comforting German pasta dish combining tender fusilli with savory ham and eggs. It’s easy to prepare and full of rich, satisfying flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups dry spiral pasta (fusilli)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup cooked ham, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
- 4 medium eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter for frying
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Strong cheese such as Emmental (optional)
- Chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat butter in a large pan with tall sides. Add chopped onion and sauté for a couple of minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Add ham pieces to the pan and fry for a few minutes. Then add the cooked pasta and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk briefly with a fork. Pour eggs over the pasta and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until eggs are fully cooked with no liquid remaining.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs if using, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, mix in grated Emmental cheese.
- Step 6: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or milk when adding the eggs.
- Use smoked ham for a deeper flavor.
- Breadcrumbs add a nice texture but can be omitted if you prefer a softer dish.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for additional veggies.
- Strong cheese like Emmental or Gruyère melts well and adds richness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid drying out the pasta, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is Schinkennudeln suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and makes a convenient, hearty lunch or dinner option for busy days.
PrintSchinkennudeln (German Pasta with Ham and Eggs) Recipe
Schinkennudeln is a traditional German pasta dish that combines al dente spiral pasta with sautéed onions, savory ham, and eggs cooked directly in the pan for a rich, comforting meal. Enhanced with butter, and optionally breadcrumbs and strong cheese like Emmental, this hearty recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Garnished with fresh chives or parsley, Schinkennudeln melds simple ingredients into a flavorful, rustic dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 cups dry spiral pasta (fusilli)
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup cooked ham, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
- 4 medium eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter for frying
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Strong cheese such as Emmental (optional)
- Chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the spiral pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pan with tall sides, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for a couple of minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Fry Ham: Add the cut ham pieces to the pan and fry along with the onions for a few minutes, allowing the ham to heat through and slightly brown.
- Combine Pasta and Season: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with ham and onions. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk briefly with a fork. Pour the beaten eggs over the pasta mixture and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the eggs are fully cooked and no liquid remains.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the pan from heat once eggs are cooked. Stir in breadcrumbs if using, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Optionally, fold in some grated Emmental cheese for extra richness.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use any type of spiral pasta if fusilli isn’t available.
- Breadcrumbs add a nice texture but can be omitted for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the amount of ham or add smoked bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Emmental cheese provides a rich, slightly nutty taste but other strong cheeses like Gruyère can be substituted.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu.
Keywords: Schinkennudeln, German pasta, ham and eggs, fusilli recipe, traditional German dish, comfort food
