Worlds Best Leftover Christmas Ham Recipe
Transform your holiday leftovers into pure comfort with the World's Best Leftover Christmas Ham Recipe! This creamy pasta dish breathes new life into leftover cooked ham, blending it with tender pasta, a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce, and a hint of Dijon mustard and nutmeg for an elevated flavor profile. Featuring a quick 15-minute prep time and a 25-minute cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or an indulgent post-holiday meal. The golden roux, made with butter and flour, creates a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every bite, while freshly minced garlic and a parsley garnish add a touch of freshness. Whether you’re using penne, fusilli, or your favorite pasta, this easy-to-make dish ensures that no slice of your holiday ham goes to waste!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover cooked ham
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 0.25 teaspoons nutmeg, ground
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Dice the leftover cooked ham into small bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour into the pan, whisking to combine with the butter. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Follow with the heavy cream and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Add the diced ham to the sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently mixing it with the sauce and ham until well coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
631 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.9 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.4 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 137 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 2093 mg | 91% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.0 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.6 g | ||
| Protein | 42.3 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 378 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 516 mg | 11% | |
*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.
