Ham and Cheese Pasta
Ham and Cheese Pasta is a quick and easy dinner for any night of the week. Great for mac and cheese lovers, it's made with a cheesy white cheddar sauce with chopped ham and caramelized onions.
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 702kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta: medium shells gemelli or macaroni
- 2 sweet or yellow onions diced
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese I like Cabot Extra Sharp
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 pound diced ham
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the ham and cook 2-3 minutes until ham starts to crisp. Set aside.
- After cooking and draining the pasta, use the same pan to make the sauce. Add the milk, shredded cheese and cream cheese. Cook over medium heat, whisking until sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add the smoked paprika, salt and pepper and whisk to combine.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, ham and onions. Cook 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the pasta rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Reheat in a pan with 1 tablespoon milk, cooking over medium heat until heated through.
Nutrition
Serving: 4g | Calories: 702kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 146mg | Sodium: 1076mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g