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This One Pan Ham & Cheese Pasta is a weeknight winner ready in less than 30 minutes that makes EVERYONE need seconds.
This recipe is quick and easy, and the creamy, cheesy flavor will please the whole family.
Change up the pasta, and the cheese, but make it over and over!
We’re in the throes of summer, and I just don’t feel like standing in my kitchen for hours on end after a day at work. Are you like me (most of the time) and get home and stand at the fridge/pantry and wonder what the heck you’re going to serve for dinner?
I used to be such a diligent meal planner, but lately – I’ve been super busy with work, and at the end of the day – I’m pretty drained, and have zero creative thoughts. Which really means I NEED to plan, but I since I don’t have time – I just keep my fridge and pantry reasonably well stocked, so I can always pull a quick meal together in very little time.
This dinner was born from necessity, ie, we were hungry, I had these ingredients, and we needed to eat SOON! We almost ALWAYS have cheese, ham, garlic, onions and pasta as well as stock, and some half & half, so this meal almost makes itself!! I sent the family out to swim for 30 minutes, and managed to get this on the table before they were even done – so I jumped in with them!
Why this recipe works:
- This recipe uses pantry and fridge ingredients typically found in most households/
- Budget friendly. No fancy stuff, just good stuff.
- Family friend.ly Who doesn’t love ham and cheese?
Kylee’s Notes & FAQs
Use any type of pasta that you have. I like the shorter ones like farfalle (bow ties), penne, and macaroni.
You can easily change this recipe up by switching out the cheese for cheddar or pepper jack, using leftover ham from a holiday meal, even turkey would be great in this! You are limited only by your pantry and what you are willing to try.
I sometimes add green beans or peas (if I think I can get away with it), and it adds a lovely pop of color, as well as beefing up the nutrition content.
Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Butter. Salted or unsalted. Can easily sub cooking oil if that is what you have on hand!
- Onion. Don’t leave this out! Dice it up finely.
- Garlic. Feel free to double the amount, I do!
- Ham. Can be deli ham, leftover ham from the holidays, or right out of the container from the store.
- Pasta. Any shape will do, short pasta vs spaghetti or fettuccine do work best.
- Chicken Stock. Make your own, or grab it some chicken stock or chicken broth from the store.
- Half & half. This is key. And make the pasta creamy!
- Cheese. Monterey Jack, provolone, swiss or cheddar are all excellent choices here.
How to make Ham & Cheese Pasta:
The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.
- In a large skillet or large pot, melt the butter.
- Add the onions, and cook over a medium-high heat until onions soften.
- Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add the ham, and cook 1 minute.
- Add the pasta, stock, half & half and some salt and pepper and stir well.
- Cover, and bring a boil, then turn down the heat to medium and cook, stirring until pasta is tender (about 8-10 minutes).
- Add the cheese and mix in until well combined.
Want more Easy Pasta Recipes?
- Chili Mac with Turkey. We’re bringing childhood back! Lightened-up with turkey vs beef, and made in one pan – this one is a family favorite!
- Skillet Mac & Cheese. Comfort food at its finest, this skillet mac & cheese is so easy! Just the skillet and a pasta pot, the and a quick broil, and this is ready FAST!
- Florentine Chicken Lasagna Rolls Spinach, garlic, and cheese are all winners for this weeknight dinner! Delicious homemade Alfredo sauce is the key to these!
- Ham Tetrazzini. A super-fast weeknight dinner, this Ham Tetrazzini is a spin on the traditional version and is sure to please the whole family.
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One Skillet Ham & Cheese Pasta
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs butter
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 9 oz deli ham chopped
- 1 lb pasta any shape
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup half & half
- Salt and pepper
- 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the onions, and cook over a medium high heat until onions soften.
- Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add the ham, and cook 1 minute.
- Add the pasta, stock, half & half and some salt and pepper and stir well.
- Cover, and bring a boil, then turn down the heat to medium and cook, stirring until pasta is tender (about 8-10 minutes).
- Add the cheese and mix in until well combined.
- Devour.
Tips & Notes:
nutrition facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
Recipes written and produced on Kylee Cooks are for informational purposes only. Kylee is not a certified nutritionist. Nutritional data provided on Kylee Cooks has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration.
Joseph says
Judging from how delicious this recipe is…you would never guess how easy it was to make!
This one is a keeper for sure. The whole family loved it!
Angie says
Delicious. The kids loved it.
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
This is my kind of dinner and one my entire family would love. Love that it comes together super quick – sometimes that’s the key to keeping everyone (including me) happy! 🙂
Danielle says
This is the kind of meal i just like to sit down with the pan and eat it forkful by forkful until it is gone. Without sharing. Or using a plate. Just the pan is fine.
I’m super impressed you made it and photographed it in 30 minutes. I’ve got to get some tips from you!
Kate says
I can’t NOT meal plan. It just makes a hard part of the day so much easier.