Creamy Ham Pasta
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Tender pasta and diced ham in a creamy parmesan sauce with peas. A quick, comforting dinner that's a delicious way to use up leftover ham.
By Mia HartwellUpdated September 9, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Creamy parmesan ham pasta in 30 minutes
- A delicious use for leftover ham
- Comforting and family-friendly
- One skillet plus a pot of pasta
Creamy Ham Pasta
28 min totalServes 4
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 560kcal
- Protein
- 27g
- Carbs
- 56g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 4g
- Sugar
- 5g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 2
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium. Cook the garlic 1 minute, then add the ham and brown 3-4 minutes.
- 3
Pour in the cream and broth and simmer 3 minutes, then whisk in the Parmesan until smooth.
- 4
Stir in the peas and the pasta, tossing and loosening with pasta water until silky.
- 5
Season to taste (ham is salty, so go easy on salt).
- 6
Garnish with parsley and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Brown the ham a little for deeper, savory flavor.
- Ham is salty, so taste before adding any salt.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and a gentle simmer to keep the sauce smooth.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce into a clinging coating.
Cooking from your phone or kitchen? Print this recipe or save it as a PDF to keep it handy.
How to Cook Creamy Ham Pasta
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Brown the ham
Cook the garlic in butter, then brown the diced ham for a few minutes. Browning deepens its savory, smoky flavor and adds a little caramelization to the dish.
Make the cream sauce
Simmer cream and broth, then whisk in Parmesan off the highest heat for a smooth, silky sauce. Keep it gentle so the dairy doesn't break.
Toss and season
Add the peas and pasta and toss with reserved pasta water until the sauce clings. Taste before salting, since ham and Parmesan are both salty, then finish with parsley.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy ham pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this good for leftover ham?+
Yes — it's one of the best ways to use up leftover holiday ham.
Can I make it lighter?+
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a thinner but still creamy sauce.
What vegetables work?+
Peas are classic; broccoli, spinach, or asparagus also pair well.
You might also like
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Tender pan-seared chicken tossed with penne in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like the kind of pasta you'd order at a trattoria.
- Total time
- ⏱ 35 min
- Calories
- 🔥 640 cal
- Protein
- 💪 42g protein
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts in a bright lemon, garlic, and herb marinade. A reliable, healthy weeknight dinner that stays tender thanks to a quick brine-style marinade.
- Total time
- ⏱ 37 min
- Calories
- 🔥 290 cal
- Protein
- 💪 39g protein
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet
Golden chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey-garlic-soy sauce, all in one skillet. The sauce reduces into a glossy glaze that's equal parts sweet, savory, and garlicky.
- Total time
- ⏱ 30 min
- Calories
- 🔥 410 cal
- Protein
- 💪 33g protein
Loved this recipe? Pin it so you can find it again — and explore more easy dinners.