Are you craving a quick, delicious meal that combines the hearty goodness of ham, the cheesy comfort of pasta, and a touch of green nutrition? Look no further! This Ham and Pasta Skillet is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner that promises to satisfy hunger, save time, and deliver maximum flavor in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who loves a one-pan wonder that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced ham and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it starts to lightly brown and become crispy on the edges.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet with the ham. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Sprinkle garlic powder over the mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Pour milk into the skillet and stir, then gradually add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and creates a smooth sauce coating the pasta, ham, and broccoli.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Remove from heat and let the skillet sit for 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, ensuring each serving has a good mix of ham, broccoli, and cheesy pasta.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While the recipe works with any pasta, short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells capture the cheesy sauce best.
- Ham Selection Matters: Use high-quality diced ham for better flavor. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully in this recipe.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Broccoli Freshness: For the brightest color and best texture, use fresh broccoli florets and avoid overcooking.
- Customize Your Skillet: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or swap cheddar for your favorite cheese blend.
- Prevent Sticking: Use a non-stick skillet and stir occasionally to keep ingredients from burning.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
