An easy one pot meal, this Ham and Cheese Pasta is a great way to use up leftover ham. It’s an easy pasta dinner that is packed with the ranch flavors. The kids seriously go crazy over this one!
Love ranch flavors? Try these Ranch Potatoes, Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza or Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders.
You know you have a winning dinner on your hands when your kids’ friends are over for dinner and the pot is emptied in about 2.4 seconds and kids are asking for thirds.
Let’s just say there are definitely not any leftovers when I make this Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch!
But really, what’s not to love? Pasta with a cheesy sauce filled with ham and ranch flavors – for sure a winning flavor combination!
And I love it because it is one pot, which means way less dishes when dinner is over!
Ingredients
Butter: I used unsalted. If you use salted, just make sure to taste before adding any additional salt.
Onion: I used a yellow onion, but a white onion would be fine, too.
Ham: I used leftover ham and cubed it. (This Honey Glazed Ham is a great one!) If you don’t have leftover ham, you can buy a ham steak at the grocery store, or many stores will sell diced ham.
Spices: This is a mixture of ranch-inspired spices. The most important are the parsley, garlic, and dill.
Water: I only list this as an ingredient because you could use chicken broth for some extra flavor. But I really think this worked well with water!
Sour Cream: This makes your sauce nice and creamy. I have only tried with full fat, but reduced fat should probably work.
Cheese: I use a mix of Monterey Jack and parmesan. You could use mozzarella in place of the Monterey Jack.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch
1: Cook the onion in the butter.
2: Add the ham and all of the spices and let them cook for a minute.
3: Pour in the pasta and the water.
4: You’ll cook part of the time with the lid on, then part with it uncovered. Stir every couple of minutes while the lid is removed.
5: Once the water has been absorbed and the pasta is al dente, stir in the sour cream.
6: Last, stir in both cheeses until melted.
Tips and Tricks
There may be some water left once the pasta is al dente – this is ok as long as it’s not a huge amount. Once you add the sour cream, that starchy water will help to create the sauce.
Sub in shredded chicken instead of the ham. Or leave out the meat all together!
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. It may dry out slightly once reheated. If it does, you can add a splash of chicken broth.
I like to top it with some fresh parsley. I love the bit of a fresh pop.
You can also serve it with additional shredded parmesan on top.
More One Pot Dinners
One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff
Skillet Lasagna
One Pan Enchilada Pasta
Creamy Mac and Cheese
One Pan Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Ramen Vegetable Beef Skillet
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Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 large yellow onion diced
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups cooked diced ham
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 16 oz penne pasta dry
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 1 cups sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium high heat. Add the butter. Once melted, add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the ham, parsley, garlic salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, dried dill, and onion powder to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the pasta and the water to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then place the lid on the pot and cook for 8 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the pasta is al dente, another 5-7 minutes more.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream. Then stir in the Monterey Jack cheese and the parmesan.
- Serve hot.
alexandro says
We loved this!
Karen says
Where is the ranch in this recipe. It’s not listed in the ingredients.
Deborah says
Hi Karen – it is the mixture of spices, kind of a homemade version of powdered ranch mix.
linda says
Judging from how delicious this recipe is…you would never guess how easy it was to make!
This one is a keeper for sure. The whole family loved it!
Kate says
This recipe was so easy and came out delicious! The whole family went crazy over it.
Shelly Rios says
I love that you tell us the little stories of YOU that some of us can SO relate to. Cooking is a meditative art that we enjoyed pre-mom times. It is something that naturally turns into sharing with our families once we create them. Life will not be the same after kids and husband, but we can learn to enjoy this new chapter in our lives with a little creativity, especially in the kitchen. Thanks so much for taking the time to share everything. Great recipes!
Kristine says
Really tasty. A hit with both the husband and 8 year old. Couldn’t be easier. A must try for families.
kristy says
Ranch is one of my kids favorite flavors. They would absolutely be thrilled if I made this for dinner. I’m impressed you’re already cooking dinner every night again. I can barely manage with two kids. I can’t imagine with three! 🙂