Schinkennudeln (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
Scale
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
