Whip up a cheesy wonder in just 30 minutes with our One Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta. Combining delicious ham and creamy cheese, it’s the ideal recipe for a busy weeknight feast.
What’s better than a 30-minute Monday recipe? How about a 30-minute one-pot recipe? Um, yes, please!
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and I’m inclined to agree. This time of year, I find myself with a lot of leftovers, yet I never have any trouble finishing off the leftover turkey. Ham, on the other hand, tends to sit in my fridge until I have to throw it out. I finally wised up and decided to make a quick and easy pasta with my leftover ham!
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Ham Pasta
- Just one pot means less washing up and more time to enjoy your meal.
- This Ham and Pasta recipe is quick to prepare. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, ready in a snap.
- This dish is perfect for leftovers. It’s an excellent way to use leftover ham, reducing waste and maximizing flavor.
Recipe Ingredients
- Diced Ham: The ham injects a smoky, savory flavor into the dish, adding a meaty texture that is both tender and satisfying.
- Feta Cheese: This cheese brings a tangy, salty taste and adds a creamy texture.
- Lemon Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes: These spices add a zestful kick and a mild heat, respectively.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with cheese variations like mozzarella for meltiness, sharp cheddar cheese for boldness, and Gruyère for a nutty depth in your One Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta.
- Pasta Options: Try using penne or rigatoni for a heartier texture that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce. Alternatively, instant macaroni, elbow macaroni, or rotini can add a fun twist and quicker cooking time.
How to Make Instant Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta
Step #1: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the kale and toss to coat. Add ½ cup of water along with the Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. Cover and steam for 10 minutes.
Step #2: Remove the lid and stir. Add the ham, onion, lemon pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 3 minutes.
Step #3: Add the tomatoes with their juices and uncooked pasta to the pot. Add enough water to just barely cover all the pasta. Squish everything down to submerge, then cover the pot.
Step #4: Turn the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Remove the lid and stir. If the pasta looks too watery, let it cook with the lid off for a few minutes to thicken up. Fold in the Feta cheese. Serve warm.
Expert Tips
- Al Dente Pasta: To ensure your pasta has the perfect bite, start checking it 2-3 minutes before the recommended cooking time. This helps avoid overcooked pasta and ensures it retains a slight chewiness.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: For a fresh flavor boost, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the finished dish. The herbs add a bright note and complement the savory components of the recipe.
- Manage Liquid Levels: If your pasta needs more cooking time but the dish is becoming too dry, add a splash of water or broth. This prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures it cooks evenly without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply add ham, pasta, broth, milk, and seasonings to the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for the recommended time for pasta. Quick release the pressure, then stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
Absolutely! Feel free to add hot sauce to the finished dish according to your taste preferences. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
You can make this dish creamier by adding cream cheese or sour cream. Simply stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream along with the other cheeses until everything is melted and combined to your liking.
Storage Info
Store the One Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s not ideal for freezing, as the pasta can become mushy when thawed.
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta to loosen it up, then warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, to distribute the heat evenly.
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One Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta Recipe
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cups roughly chopped kale leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup diced yellow onion - about half of a small onion
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 14 ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 4 ounces fresh Feta cheese - broken up into large chunks
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the kale and toss to coat. Add ½ cup of water along with the Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. Cover and steam for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir. Add the ham, onion, lemon pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes with their juices and uncooked pasta to the pot. Add enough water to just barely cover all the pasta. Squish everything down to submerge, then cover the pot.
- Turn the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Remove the lid and stir. If the pasta looks too watery, let it cook with the lid off for a few minutes to thicken up. Fold in the Feta cheese. Serve warm.
NOTES
Nutrition
A hearty dish that felt light at the same time, definitely making it again.
Yum, really tasty. Top marks for this, and thanks for sharing.
Simon