Skillet Ham and Cheese Pasta
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The other day, I found myself with some leftover deli ham that needed to be used up. Rather than letting it go to waste, I got creative and came up with this Skillet Ham and Cheese Pasta. It turned out to be the perfect way to transform simple ingredients into a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family enjoyed.
Think of this Skillet Ham and Cheese Pasta as a fun twist on a classic hamburger helper—or maybe we should call it “ham helper”! The best part? It cooks entirely in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is incredibly easy to make, packed with cheesy, savory goodness, and so delicious that it’s sure to become a weeknight staple in your household.
Ingredients for Skillet Ham and Cheese Pasta
- BUTTER
- ONION
- GARLIC
- DELI HAM
- PASTA
- CHICKEN BROTH
- HALF & HALF
- SALT AND PEPPER
- MONTEREY JACK CHEESE
- FRESH PARSLEY, OPTIONAL FOR GARNISH
Instructions for skillet ham and cheese pasta
Melt butter in the skillet and add in some onion. Cook until the onion is tender. Then add in some chopped deli ham. If you have leftover ham, you can totally use that too.
Cook the ham for a minute then add in some garlic. Just cook that for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Next, add in the pasta along with some chicken broth, half and half, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and press the pasta down so it is all in the liquid as much as possible. Any short pasta shape will work in this dish.
Cover the skillet and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Give it an occasional stir during this, but then cover it back up.
When that pasta is tender, you add in some shredded Monterrey jack cheese. Stir until you melt all the cheese and serve.
If desired, you can use a different cheese. However, keep in mind if you use something like cheddar cheese it will change to color of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use a variety of pasta types such as penne, elbow, or shells, depending on your preference.
Can I substitute ham with another protein?
Certainly! You can use cooked bacon, cooked chicken, or even vegetables like mushrooms or spinach as alternatives.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together in the skillet?
Stir the pasta occasionally while it’s cooking to prevent sticking. Also, make sure to use enough liquid in the recipe. You can always add a little more chicken broth or water if needed.
Can I make this recipe with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately before adding it to the skillet?
No, in a one-skillet recipe, you cook the pasta directly in the skillet with the other ingredients.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or bell peppers to make it more nutritious and colorful. I recommend having the vegetables cooked and then mixed in the dish right before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little extra milk to maintain creaminess when reheating. Do the same to reheat any leftovers.
For more skillet recipes, try:
Skillet Ham and Cheese Pasta
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ½ onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 9 oz or 1 1/2 cups deli ham chopped
- 1 lb pasta any small shape (I used rotini)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half & half
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened.
- Add in the ham and cook for 1 minute. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the pasta, chicken stock, half & half and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Cover and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally. Cook covered for 10-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Add the cheese and mix in until melted. Serves 4.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Kylee Cooks.
