Description
Creamy Ham and Cheese Pasta is a comforting, quick-fix dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich cheese sauce with savory diced ham — perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover holiday ham for a budget-friendly option.
- Try adding peas or broccoli for extra veggies.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.