Tired of staring at leftover ham in the fridge? Don't let that delicious protein go to waste! Transform those ham scraps into a fantastic pasta dish that's quick, easy, and surprisingly flavorful. This post offers several simple yet delicious ham leftover pasta recipes perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Get ready to elevate your leftover game!
Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta
This recipe is a classic for a reason – it's quick, easy, and tastes amazing! The creamy sauce perfectly complements the salty ham and sweet peas. This is a great example of how easy healthy meals can be.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped cooked ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ham and peas: Stir in the chopped ham and frozen peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until peas are heated through.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and serve: Stir in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Speedy Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s both delicious and satisfying? This simple pasta bake is ready in under 30 minutes and requires minimal effort. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking at its best.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (any short shape works well)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced ham, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to either recipe for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to either recipe.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or provolone.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Leftover pasta magic: These recipes also work perfectly with leftover cooked pasta!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving – Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Remember to adjust the nutritional information based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. Enjoy your delicious and easy ham leftover pasta! These best recipes are sure to become your go-to meals.