introduction
Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and it was alongside my mother that I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes.
One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet is a heartwarming recipe that combines tender pasta with savory chunks of ham, the brightness of peas, and a creamy sauce that envelops it all. Many people search for this dish as it represents comfort food at its finest, embodying simplicity while still being deliciously satisfying.
In this article, you will learn how to prepare this delightful meal, the reasons you’ll want to make it, and tips to help you achieve the perfect dish every time. You may also find Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup useful.
For more recipes follow me on Facebook and Pinterest. You may also find Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet useful.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
why make this recipe
One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet is not just easy to make; it’s incredibly versatile. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. With just a few ingredients—leftover ham, pasta, and peas—this dish addresses user motivations such as saving time and reducing food waste.
It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, allowing you to dish out a wholesome meal in about 30 minutes. If you’re looking for more one-pot options, you might enjoy this one-pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta that’s equally quick and delicious.
how to make One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet
Making One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet is straightforward. Start by gathering all your ingredients, as having everything ready speeds up the cooking process. Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Next, add minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it releases its aromatic flavors. Then, introduce the diced ham into the skillet, cooking it for 2-3 minutes to ensure it is heated throughout.
Once the ham is warmed up, pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This broth will serve as the foundation for your sauce. After the broth is simmering, add in the heavy cream and mix well, achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
Gently fold in the cooked penne and frozen peas. Stir until everything is adequately coated and heated through, which typically takes another few minutes. Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste.
Before serving, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and a touch of elegance. For a hearty twist, you might also like this cheesy hamburger potato casserole that uses similar ingredients but offers a different texture and flavor profile.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet:
- 2 cups cooked penne pasta
- 2 cups diced leftover ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Each ingredient plays a vital role. The cooked penne serves as the base, while the ham adds protein and flavor. Using frozen peas provides a pop of color and freshness without the need for additional prep. It’s also flexible—if you’re out of peas, consider using broccoli or another green vegetable.
This recipe shows how versatile simple comfort foods can be, similar to a one-pot creamy garlic pasta that can just as easily adapt to your pantry’s contents.
Directions
Here’s how to cook One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked penne and frozen peas, stirring until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
For optimal results, always ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing it in. This will not only enhance the texture but also prevent the dish from becoming mushy, which is a common pitfall when cooking pasta dishes.
how to serve One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet
One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce.
Texture and flavor balance are key—ensure you have a mix of creamy, savory, and fresh elements on your plate. If you enjoy different flavors, try incorporating hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.
how to store One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet
To store leftovers, place One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, be aware that the cream may change texture upon thawing, but it will still be delicious.
To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy as it warms. Always ensure leftovers are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
tips to make One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet
Here are some tips to enhance your One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet:
- Use quality ingredients. Fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan cheese can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Experiment with spices. Adding red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile.
- Toast the garlic before adding the ham to deepen the flavor.
- For a creamier dish, consider substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream, or adding cream cheese as you mix everything together.
- Customize with veggies. Bell peppers or spinach could be great additions if you want to pack in more nutrition.
variation
There are several variations you can explore with One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet:
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Version: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne and use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for an extra kick.
- Pasta Primavera: Combine seasonal vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers to bring freshness and color to the dish.
- Cheesy Delight: For those who love a cheesy finish, consider adding some mozzarella or cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking to create a cheesy pasta bake effect.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even macaroni.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to retain the same flavors and textures.
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet stores well and is a great option for meal prep, ensuring you have quick meals ready to go during busy days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet is a must-try dish that provides a delightful combination of flavors and convenience. With its minimal prep and clean-up, it’s perfect for any night when you need a satisfying meal quickly.
To learn about different variations, check out the one pot ham & penne skillet recipe where you’ll find additional tips and a video to guide you. For a smaller batch, consider the one pot ham & penne skillet recipe (small batch). And for a different take on ham, don’t miss the one-pot ham and cheese pasta recipe that offers a unique twist. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Print
One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A heartwarming dish combining tender penne pasta with savory ham, peas, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked penne pasta
- 2 cups diced leftover ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked penne and frozen peas, stirring until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture. Customize with other vegetables if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American