Creamy Ham & Cheese Pasta Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Weeknight meals find their perfect match in this creamy ham cheese pasta that promises comfort and speed.

Busy home cooks appreciate quick solutions without sacrificing flavor.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Cheese and ham create a delightful combination that feels indulgent yet effortless.

Each forkful delivers rich, smooth textures that remind you of home-cooked goodness.

Pantry staples come together in less than thirty minutes.

You’ll fall in love with this straightforward dish that makes dinnertime a breeze.

Grab a fork and savor every delicious bite!

Why Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta Hits All The Comfort Notes

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This creamy ham cheese pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Versatile ingredients allow easy swaps like using different meats, cheese varieties, or adding vegetables, making it adaptable to your pantry and taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, hearty dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal everyone can enjoy together.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with straightforward steps, ensuring a delicious outcome without complex techniques or intimidating instructions.

What Goes Into Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: A hearty foundation for the creamy dish, best with medium-sized shapes like penne or rotini.

• Ham, Chicken Broth: Protein-rich elements adding depth and savory flavor to the recipe.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy cheese mixture providing rich, melty texture and complex flavor profile.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Smooth, rich liquid foundation for creating a velvety sauce consistency.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Flavor enhancers and sauce base with subtle cooking properties.

• Flour: Classic thickening ingredient for developing a smooth, consistent sauce texture.

Aromatic and Seasoning Elements:

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic vegetables adding depth and complexity to the dish.

• Black Pepper, Salt, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasoning elements for balanced and enhanced flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish providing color and subtle herbal note.

How To Make Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta In A Snap

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once tender but still slightly firm, drain completely and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Butter
• Olive oil

• Finely chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Add diced ham and cook until edges turn slightly crispy. This builds a delicious foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

• Whole milk
• Chicken broth

Whisk continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Melt Cheese Magic

• Sharp cheddar
• Creamy mozzarella
• Nutty Parmesan

Stir until each cheese melts completely, creating a silky smooth sauce. Pour in heavy cream for extra richness if desired.

Step 5: Season and Enhance

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Sea salt
• Italian herb blend

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. The goal is a balanced, mouth-watering flavor profile.

Step 6: Combine and Coat

Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy cheese sauce. Ensure every pasta piece is generously coated. The pasta will absorb the delicious sauce, becoming even more flavorful.

Step 7: Optional Crispy Finish

For a golden top, transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese and bake until the surface turns crispy and bubbling.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Top Tips For The Creamiest Ham Cheese Pasta

• Perfectly Drain Pasta: Ensure your pasta is al dente by tasting it just before the recommended cooking time and drain immediately to prevent overcooking, keeping the texture firm and preventing mushiness.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding milk or broth if too thick, or simmering longer if too thin, creating a smooth, velvety texture that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Remove the skillet from heat before adding cheese and stir continuously to help cheese melt evenly, creating a silky smooth sauce without unwanted lumps.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Swap regular ham with smoked ham or pancetta for an enhanced flavor profile, adding a rich, more complex taste to the creamy pasta dish.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version that maintains the delicious creamy sauce and ham elements.

How To Store Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in shallow containers to help it cool faster and maintain better quality.
• When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces tend to separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed.
• For best results, consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe and enjoy the pasta at its freshest state.

The Best Pairings For Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy, rich sauce and cut through the cheesy pasta's heaviness.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Add toasted sourdough or baguette slices with garlic butter to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the meal's texture.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus with olive oil and sea salt to add nutritional balance and a fresh vegetable element to the creamy dish.

Fun Ways To Remix Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Pasta: Transform the creamy ham cheese pasta into a zesty southwestern-style dish by adding diced green chilies, cayenne pepper, and replacing ham with spicy chorizo. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra kick.
• Mediterranean Seafood Spin: Swap ham for succulent shrimp or flaky white fish like cod. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil to enhance Mediterranean flavors.
• Vegetarian Green Goddess Version: Replace ham with roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and extra protein boost.
• Smoky Bacon Fusion: Substitute ham with crispy bacon pieces for a rich, smoky profile. Include caramelized onions and a splash of white wine to deepen the sauce's complexity. Top with crisp green onions for fresh contrast.

All Your Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta Questions Answered

• What type of ham works best for this recipe?

Diced cooked ham from the deli section is perfect. You can also use leftover holiday ham or pre-packaged cubed ham. Avoid raw or uncooked ham varieties.

• Can I make this pasta dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch when creating the roux. Use gluten-free pasta to complete the modification.

• How can I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Always whisk milk and broth gradually into the roux. Keep stirring constantly and maintain medium heat to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Adding liquids slowly helps prevent clumping.

• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy texture.

Creamy Ham Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy ham cheese pasta, blending hearty proteins with silky sauce. Packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, this dish promises a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1 ½ cups (225 g) diced cooked ham
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it reaches a tender yet firm texture. Carefully drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid, and set aside.
2. In a spacious skillet, melt butter with a touch of olive oil over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aroma.
3. Add minced garlic and quickly stir, allowing the fragrant notes to permeate the kitchen. Gently fold in diced ham, cooking until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.
4. Dust the ham and onion mixture with flour, stirring thoroughly to create an even coating. Allow the mixture to cook briefly, eliminating any raw flour undertones.
5. Slowly introduce milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and gradually thicken, creating a velvety smooth base.
6. Incorporate an array of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan – stirring until they melt completely and integrate seamlessly into the sauce. Pour in heavy cream for an extra luxurious touch.
7. Season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper, salt, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Taste and adjust the seasoning to achieve a perfect flavor balance.
8. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the rich, cheesy mixture.
9. For a golden, crispy finish, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, crown with an additional layer of cheese, and bake until the top becomes beautifully bronzed and bubbling.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan. Serve immediately, accompanied by a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini that trap the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Opt for high-quality ham like Black Forest or honey-roasted for a more complex and rich taste profile in the dish.
• When making the sauce, keep whisking constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, and use lean ham to reduce overall calories without compromising taste.
• Can easily convert this recipe to a gluten-free option by using gluten-free flour for the roux and choosing gluten-free pasta varieties.
• Cheese selection matters – mix sharp cheddar with mild mozzarella for a balanced, creamy flavor that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
• Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, and quickly reheated with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg