Ham and Cheese Pasta Skillet
Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, this Ham and Cheese Pasta Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender pasta simmered in a rich blend of chicken broth, milk, and melted cream cheese, this dish is loaded with savory diced ham, sharp cheddar, and gooey mozzarella to create a velvety sauce that clings to every bite. With just 30 minutes from prep to table, this recipe offers the convenience of minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this easy ham and cheese pasta is a crowd-pleasing meal the whole family will adore. Perfect for using up leftover ham, it's a hearty, satisfying dish that you'll return to time and time again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or shells)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups ham (diced)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the diced ham and cook for another 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta.
Stir everything together, cover the skillet with a lid, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until fully melted and combined into the sauce.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3271 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 192.1 g | 246% | |
| Saturated Fat | 110.4 g | 552% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 772 mg | 257% | |
| Sodium | 11348 mg | 493% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 149.0 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.3 g | ||
| Protein | 229.8 g | 460% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 2972 mg | 229% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 2494 mg | 53% | |
*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.
