Irresistible Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta in 30 Minutes

The aroma of Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This dish combines tender pasta with luscious creaminess, savory ham, and a melty cheese blanket that promises to warm your heart and soul. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.

Picture this: a chilly evening, where you don’t want to leave your home but also don’t want to compromise on flavor. That’s when this creamy delight swoops in like a culinary superhero, ready to save the day. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in watching your favorite show, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients for Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use any type you prefer—penne or fusilli works well—just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
• Diced Ham: Opt for leftover ham or deli ham; both provide great flavor and protein.
• Heavy Cream: This adds richness and creaminess; you can substitute with half-and-half if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Shredded Cheese: Choose a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for the ultimate gooeyness; feel free to get creative with your favorites.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic flavor; it’s simply irreplaceable in this recipe.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs enhance the dish’s flavor profile wonderfully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously and then toss in your pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute. Don’t let it burn; no one likes bitter garlic!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Bring it to a gentle simmer before adding shredded cheese gradually. Stir until melted and creamy; it should resemble liquid gold at this point.

Step 4: Combine Ham and Seasonings

Add diced ham into the sauce along with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir well so every bit of ham gets covered in cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Toss in your drained pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring every noodle gets its fair share of that delectable creamy coating.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Transfer servings onto plates, sprinkle with additional cheese if desired, and perhaps even fresh parsley for that Instagram-worthy touch!

Your Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta is now ready! Serve immediately for maximum cheesy enjoyment.

This delightful dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings joy to any occasion—be it family gatherings or those lazy evenings when all you want is something comforting yet simple. So grab your fork, dig in, and let each bite transport you into creamy bliss!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. While that’s happening, sauté diced ham until golden brown. Afterward, prepare your creamy sauce in the same pan for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. Add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color. Spice it up with a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover creamy ham cheese pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Sometimes I whip up this dish when friends come over, and their delighted reactions make me feel like a culinary superstar. It’s funny how a simple recipe can bring everyone together!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta?

To make Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta, you will need pasta (such as penne or fusilli), diced ham, shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), heavy cream, garlic, onion, and seasonings like salt and pepper. You can also add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition. garlic parmesan pasta option This combination creates a deliciously creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite cheese or herbs to enhance the flavor.

How long does it take to prepare Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta?

Preparing Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the pasta while preparing the sauce simultaneously. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, mix it with the creamy sauce and diced ham for a quick meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe recipe.

Can I make Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta ahead of time. Prepare the dish fully and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if necessary to loosen the sauce. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or enjoying leftovers later in the week.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

If you want a lighter version of Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta, consider substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk and add a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up. Additionally, Greek yogurt can provide creaminess while adding protein. Be aware that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor and texture but will still yield a delicious dish.

Conclusion for Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta:

creamy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for busy evenings or family gatherings. Remember to customize it with your favorite cheeses and vegetables for added flair. Enjoy this comforting pasta dish any night of the week!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta

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• Author: Liora
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender pasta with a rich and velvety sauce made from savory ham and melty cheese. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this easy-to-make recipe brings warmth to your dinner table and delight to every bite. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that both family and friends will love.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian herbs

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Create the sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually add shredded cheeses until melted and creamy.
4. Add ham and seasonings: Stir in diced ham along with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until well combined.
5. Combine pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring every noodle is coated in creamy goodness.
6. Serve: Plate the pasta, adding extra cheese or fresh parsley as desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg