Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta

Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with tender pasta, savory ham, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham and makes a delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes
  • Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ham
  • Great way to use up leftover ham or deli ham
  • Perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal
  • Easily customizable with your favorite cheeses and vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups diced ham (cooked or deli ham)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
    • Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Ham:
    • In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add diced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce:
    • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
    • Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Add Cheese and Peas:
    • Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
    • Mix in frozen peas (if using) and cook until they are heated through.
  5. Combine with Pasta:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
    • If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
  • Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
  • Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
  • Baked Pasta: Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when reheated.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells works well in this dish.

2. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes or add a sprinkle of cornstarch mixed with water.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese can be used, but freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Avoid overheating the cheese sauce and add the cheese gradually while stirring continuously.

6. What can I serve with this pasta?

Pair with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

7. Can I add other proteins to this dish?

Yes, cooked chicken, turkey, or crispy bacon are great additions.

8. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta al dente and avoid overcooking it in the sauce.

9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dish and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk.

10. Can I use a lighter sauce base?

Yes, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich, cheesy sauce, savory ham, and tender pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes, this meal offers the perfect way to enjoy a cozy, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

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Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Description

This Creamy Ham and Cheese Pasta is a rich and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender pasta is coated in a velvety cheese sauce with savory chunks of ham and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy meal is perfect for using up leftover ham and delivering cheesy goodness in every bite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups (225 g) diced cooked ham
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)



Instructions

🍝 Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta:
    • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions.
    • Drain and set aside.

🍳 Make the Creamy Sauce:

  1. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

    • In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (2-3 minutes).
    • Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add Ham:

    • Stir in diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned.
  3. Create the Roux:

    • Sprinkle flour over the ham and stir well to coat.
    • Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Add Liquids:

    • Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth.
    • Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce begins to thicken (3-5 minutes).

🧀 Add Cheese and Seasoning:

  1. Melt the Cheese:

    • Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using) until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
    • Pour in heavy cream for a richer sauce (optional).
  2. Season the Sauce:

    • Add black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

🍲 Combine with Pasta:

  1. Mix in Pasta:

    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
    • Toss until pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
  2. Optional Topping:

    • For a baked pasta dish, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

🍽️ Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve:

    • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
  2. Serving Suggestions:

    • Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.



Notes

  • Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating Tip: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

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