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:
- 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:
-
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.
-
Add Ham:
- Stir in diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned.
-
Create the Roux:
- Sprinkle flour over the ham and stir well to coat.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
-
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:
-
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).
-
Season the Sauce:
- Add black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
🍲 Combine with Pasta:
-
Mix in Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss until pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
-
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:
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
-
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.