Creamy Cheesy Ham and Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Cheesy Ham and Pasta recipe, a perfect balance of rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Tender penne pasta is enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, made from a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan, elevated with a touch of garlic for depth. Juicy bites of diced ham and sweet peas add a savory twist, while fresh parsley offers a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is an easy, family-friendly dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Ideal for weeknight meals or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this creamy pasta is a delicious way to transform simple pantry staples into a satisfying masterpiece. Keywords: creamy pasta, cheesy ham and pasta, easy weeknight dinner, family-friendly recipes, one-pan pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the diced cooked ham and frozen peas to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy cheese sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4562 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 243.9 g | 313% | |
| Saturated Fat | 142.0 g | 710% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 904 mg | 301% | |
| Sodium | 9946 mg | 432% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 325.2 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.4 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.2 g | ||
| Protein | 257.6 g | 515% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 3211 mg | 247% | |
| Iron | 20.1 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 3136 mg | 67% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
