Creamy Cheesy Ham and Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Cheesy Ham and Pasta recipe, a perfect balance of rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Tender penne pasta is enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, made from a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan, elevated with a touch of garlic for depth. Juicy bites of diced ham and sweet peas add a savory twist, while fresh parsley offers a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is an easy, family-friendly dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Ideal for weeknight meals or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this creamy pasta is a delicious way to transform simple pantry staples into a satisfying masterpiece. Keywords: creamy pasta, cheesy ham and pasta, easy weeknight dinner, family-friendly recipes, one-pan pasta.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
Step 4
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6
Add the diced cooked ham and frozen peas to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 7
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 8
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy cheese sauce.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2066.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4562.4 |
| Total Fat 243.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 142.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g | |
| Cholesterol 904.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 9946.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 325.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 40.2g | |
| Protein 257.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 214.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3211.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3136.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories