Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! These six delicious ham and cheese pasta recipes are perfect for easy family dinners, comforting weeknight meals, or whenever you’re craving a warm, homemade dish. From creamy penne to golden baked pasta, there’s something for everyone!
1. Creamy Ham and Cheese Penne 🍝🧀
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 400 g penne pasta
- 250 g diced ham
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 150 ml milk
- 180 g shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ham: Stir in the diced ham and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the mozzarella or cheddar and Parmesan until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked penne and toss until every piece is coated with the cheesy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot.
2. Baked Ham and Cheese Macaroni 🧀🔥
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 400 g elbow macaroni or short pasta
- 250 g diced ham
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 400 ml milk
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 200 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the cheddar, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Mix the ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni and diced ham to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top and add breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
- Rest and serve: Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Creamy Ham and Cheese Fettuccine 🍝
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 400 g fettuccine
- 250 g sliced or diced ham
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 100 ml milk
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 100 g shredded mozzarella
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Heat the ham: Add the ham and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the cream and milk. Add the Italian seasoning and black pepper. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce becomes smooth. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously.
- Add the pasta: Place the drained fettuccine in the skillet and toss thoroughly.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy immediately.
4. Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Pasta 🍄🧀
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