Ham and Cheese Pasta Recipe [Video]

One Pan Ham and Cheese Pasta Recipe is creamy, cheesy and delicious and is ready in less than 30 minutes. It is the perfect comfort dinner dish for busy weekdays Watch the short video tutorial below and see it for yourself!

If you are looking for other easy and delicious weeknight meals, I would suggest also trying Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce Pasta, Taco Tortilla Roll Ups, and Cast Iron Chicken and Mushrooms.

Easy Ham and Cheese Pasta

When I have no spare time or want something quick and easy, I always go with Ham and Cheese Pasta. First, it is very affordable, and satisfying. It is a full meal that will feed your whole family. Second, it is ready in less than 30 minutes, and you can make a larger portion as well and freeze it for later.

The leftover is delicious, and can easily be stored. Also, I like the fact that this dish is easily modifiable. For example, you can use various types of cheeses or pasta.

Being a one-pot pasta dish it also means you have less work to do. This is the ultimate comfort food and a great way to use up leftover ham.

In addition, you can make it one-pot on the stove, or if you want something more traditional, make it in the oven as a casserole. It is equally easy and delicious, and a good way to use leftover ham!

How to make Ham and Cheese Pasta?

This easy dish is ready in no time and requires a few easy steps described below:

• In a large skillet or iron cast pan, add some olive oil. Let it heat for a minute over medium-high heat. Then, add in the cubed ham and saute for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Saute the garlic.
• Add pasta, water, cream and season with salt and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer and simmer for 9-13 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, occasionally stirring.
• Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and top it with some shredded parmesan cheese, and then stir to combine.
• Serve warm.

How to make Ham and Cheese Pasta Casserole?

Making an oven-baked casserole is equally simple and delicious.

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• While the oven is heating up, boil the pasta in a large pot for about 6-8 minutes. You can use any type of pasta, such as elbow macaroni, etc. Ensure that it is cooked al dente since it will still be cooking in the oven.
• Use a casserole baking dish and add the al dente macaroni, Cheddar cheese, ham, and mix together. Season with salt and pepper. Feel free to sprinkle bread crumbs over it.
• Lastly, bake the casserole for about 25 minutes, or until lightly browned and baked.

Can I make it with other meats?

Absolutely! You can make this dish with any type of cooked meat. Because it is a quick dinner, I recommend combining cooked chicken, pork, beef, or turkey. Also, feel free to use rotisserie chicken and just shred it. The cooking time will be the same.

However, if you want to use raw meat, I would recommend browning it first. Then, add it to the recipe following the same steps as in the recipe card below.

Can I make Ham and Cheese Pasta in advance?

Yes, this dish can easily be made ahead and simply stored in the fridge. Once cooked, let it fully cool. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes better the following days because the flavors soak together, making it even more delicious!

Recipe Tips:

• Use your favorite type of pasta or cheese for this dish. You can combine any cheeses you like.
• Also, feel free to use other meats.
• Top it with some chopped green onions, parsley, and even some crumbled bacon!
• I sometimes add vegetables to it, such as green beans, mushroom or peas.

5 from 4 votes

Print

One Pan Ham and Cheese Pasta

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

One Pan Ham and Cheese Pasta Recipe is creamy, cheesy and delicious and is ready in less than 30 minutes.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: One Pan Ham and Cheese Pasta

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 851.29 kcal

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoon olive oil divided
• 2 cups cubed ham cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 quart chicken broth low sodium
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 pound medium shell pasta
• 2 1/2 cups parmesan cheese freshly shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon parsley chopped

Instructions

1. Place a large pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the ham.
2. Once the ham is browned, add two more tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic, stir and saute for about one minute.
3. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and uncooked pasta, stir to combine.
4. Once the mixture starts to boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender, stir occasionally.
6. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
7. Serve sprinkled with fresh parsley and remaining cheese.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

One Pan Ham and Cheese Pasta

Amount Per Serving

Calories 851.29 Calories from Fat 471

% Daily Value*

Fat 52.3g80%

Saturated Fat 26.66g167%

Cholesterol 157.38mg52%

Sodium 1969.44mg86%

Potassium 398.61mg11%

Carbohydrates 61.95g21%

Fiber 2.42g10%

Sugar 3.14g3%

Protein 33.97g68%

Vitamin A 1547.78IU31%

Vitamin C 12.87mg16%

Calcium 572.95mg57%

Iron 1.98mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.