Quick Cheesy Ham Pasta Delight Recipe: A Sizzling Family Favorite

Creamy comfort calls to pasta lovers seeking a hearty ham and cheese pasta bake that promises pure satisfaction.

This delightful cheesy ham pasta brings together rich, melted cheese and savory ham in a surprisingly simple recipe.

Every forkful delivers a perfect blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in less than an hour.

The combination of tender pasta, smoky ham, and gooey cheese creates a meal everyone will adore.

Warm, filling, and absolutely delicious, this pasta promises to become a new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients That Bring Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta Together

• Pasta: Captures the heart of the dish, choose a shape that catches sauce like penne or fusilli.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and seasons pasta water perfectly.
• Water: Critical for cooking pasta to tender, al dente perfection.

• Ham: Adds delightful smoky richness, select high-quality deli or leftover ham for best taste.
• Butter: Creates luxurious base for sauce, choose unsalted for better flavor control.
• Olive Oil: Provides silky texture and subtle Mediterranean touch.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses deep, aromatic warmth without chopping fresh garlic.
• Onion Powder: Delivers sweet, savory undertone to sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Transforms sauce into velvety dream, select fresh, high-fat content cream.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into tangy, sharp layer of flavor, opt for sharp variety.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity, grate fresh for most intense taste.
• Frozen Peas: Introduces bright, sweet pop of color and nutrition.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbaceous notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic depth.
• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkles fresh, green brightness as final garnish.

Tools That Make Ham Cheese Pasta Smoother to Prepare

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles thoroughly.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing ham and creating the creamy cheese sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Help measure pasta water and ingredients accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta without scratching skillet.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese that needs shredding.
• Sharp Knife: Required for dicing ham and chopping fresh parsley.

How to Cook Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta from Scratch

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in generously salted water until tender. Keep some pasta water before draining for later magic.

• Sizzle Ham Chunks

Warm butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Toss ham pieces and brown them until edges crisp up beautifully.

• Craft Silky Sauce

Pour heavy cream into skillet and let it bubble gently. Sprinkle in seasonings, stirring until sauce becomes luxuriously smooth.

• Melt Cheesy Goodness

Stir in cheese until sauce turns velvety and rich. Toss in peas and let them warm through quickly.

• Create Final Masterpiece

Fold cooked pasta into creamy sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated. Splash reserved pasta water if sauce needs loosening.

• Plate and Enjoy

Scatter fresh herbs on top and serve immediately. Pair with crusty bread or crisp salad for a complete meal.

Flavor Twists for Your Ham Cheese Pasta Bowl

• Use the starchy reserved pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every noodle without becoming too thick or runny.
• Swap ham with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, or smoked turkey for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by replacing ham with roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
• Reduce calories by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, choosing low-fat cheese options, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli for nutritional boost.
• Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the creamy, comforting flavor profile.

Serving Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta Without Overthinking

• Rustic Family Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy ham cheese pasta with warm, crusty garlic bread for a comforting meal that fills hungry bellies.
• Bright Side Salad Splash: Toss a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta, adding fresh vegetables and a zesty contrast.
• Weekend Potluck Star: Bring this dish to gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme, as its creamy texture and hearty ingredients will make everyone happy.
• Wine Night Perfection: Complement the pasta's rich flavors with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Keep That Ham Cheese Pasta Fresh for Later

• Divide leftovers into single-serve containers for quick grab-and-go meals during busy weekdays. Perfect for lunch boxes or fast reheating.
• Store covered pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the ham and cheese sauce intact by storing it flat to maintain creamy texture.
• Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding 2-3 tablespoons of milk or pasta water to restore sauce's silky consistency. Stir frequently to prevent separating or drying out.
• Freeze unbaked pasta in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat thoroughly, stirring occasionally to redistribute sauce's rich ingredients.

Cheesy Ham Pasta Delight

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy ham cheese pasta brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with its rich, indulgent blend of savory ham and melted cheese. Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (225 g) diced cooked ham
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and cook pasta until perfectly tender, achieving an al dente texture. Set aside a portion of pasta water before draining.
2. Sear Ham Medley: In a spacious skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Introduce diced ham, browning it to create a golden, caramelized exterior for enhanced flavor profile.
3. Craft Creamy Sauce: Gently cascade heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to simmer. Integrate garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, whisking to create a harmonious flavor foundation.
4. Cheese and Vegetable Integration: Fold shredded cheddar and Parmesan into the sauce, stirring until a velvety, smooth consistency emerges. Incorporate frozen peas, warming them through to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
5. Final Assembly: Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet, thoroughly coating each strand with the luxurious sauce. Adjust sauce consistency by introducing reserved pasta water if needed, ensuring a perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio.
6. Presentation: Sprinkle fresh parsley as a garnish, creating a visually appealing dish. Serve immediately, accompanied by crispy garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Save the starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling better to the pasta, creating a silkier texture.
• Reduce heat when adding cheese and stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping.
• Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan to achieve perfect golden-brown ham edges that add extra flavor to the dish.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, use plant-based cheese and ham alternatives for vegetarian/vegan version, or replace cream with low-fat milk for a lighter recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg