Skillet Ham and Cheese Tortellini
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In my freezer, I had some leftover Easter ham that had been patiently waiting for its chance to shine. Rather than let it sit forgotten, I decided it was time to put it to good use in a dish that would be both quick and satisfying. With a little inspiration and a craving for pasta, I whipped up an easy one-dish featuring the star of the show: ham and cheese tortellini.
The flavors came together beautifully—the smoky, savory ham paired perfectly with the hearty, cheese-filled pasta, coated with a delicious cheese sauce. This creates an easy dinner that is flavorful and fulfilling. Each bite combined the richness of the pasta with the taste of the ham, creating a flavorful experience.
For those looking to add a touch of freshness and balance, incorporating vegetables into this dish is an effortless extra option. Frozen peas, for instance, not only bring a pop of color but also add a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. Simply toss them in during cooking. They’ll blend seamlessly, making the meal even more wholesome and vibrant.
This great recipe turned out to be the ideal solution for busy weeknights when time is short, but the desire for a warm and easy meal is strong. Beyond being a great way to make use of leftovers, it quickly earned its place as a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen. I know it’s a recipe I’ll return to again and again—simple, delicious, and oh-so-reliable!
Ingredients for Skillet Cheesy Ham Tortellini
- OLIVE OIL
- ONION
- GARLIC
- HAM
- FRESH OR FROZEN CHEESE TORTELLINI
- CHICKEN BROTH
- HEAVY
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE
- PARMESAN CHEESE
- FRESH PARSLEY, OPTIONAL FOR GARNISH
Instructions for Skillet Ham and Cheese Tortellini Recipe
Sauté the Aromatics and Ham: Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until it becomes soft and translucent—this should take about 3–4 minutes. Toss in the diced ham and minced garlic, and sauté for an additional 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the ham to develop a bit of a golden-brown color for extra flavor. This caramelized layer will add richness to the dish.
Simmer the Tortellini: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the tortellini and the heavy cream. Stir everything together gently to combine, ensuring the tortellini is submerged in the liquid. Turn up the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The tortellini should become tender, and most of the liquid will be absorbed, creating a creamy sauce.
Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add half of the shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. This step takes the dish to a whole new level of cheesiness!
Finish with Melty Goodness: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 3–5 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a gooey layer of indulgence.
Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is fully melted, uncover the skillet and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish. Serve the tortellini immediately while it’s still hot and creamy. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ham works best for this dish?
Any cooked ham will do—leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even pre-packaged diced ham. The smoky flavor of cured ham works especially well.
Can I substitute the cheese tortellini with another type of pasta?
While cheese tortellini adds a creamy, cheesy element, you can use ravioli or any other pasta you have on hand.
How do I add veggies without overpowering the dish?
Frozen peas, chopped spinach, or diced zucchini are great options. Add them in during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve their color and texture.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! Prepare and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Summer Tortellini Salad
- Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce
Skillet Ham and Cheese Tortellini
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups diced ham
- 20 oz pkg cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese fresh shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese fresh shredded
- fresh minced parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, add oil and onion. Cook, stirring often, until softened. Add diced ham and garlic and cook for several minutes, until browned.
- Add in the chicken broth, tortellini, and heavy cream. Stir until combined and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and tortellini are tender.
- Remove from heat. Stir in half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Top with remaining Mozzarella, cover and let sit 3-5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh, chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Yellow Bliss Road.
