Name: Leftover Ham and Cheese Penne
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb penne (uncooked); 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion (chopped); 2 cups ham (cooked, chopped); 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste); 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 3/4 cup frozen peas; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated (optional))

Leftover Ham and Cheese Penne – incredibly creamy and cheesy penne loaded with ham and peas. What better way to transform that leftover holiday dinner ham?

a serving bowl of Ham and Cheese Penne topped with parsley

As the holidays wrap up I find myself asking the age old question: what do I do with all these leftovers? Well this year I have the answer, and the answer is ham and cheese. It’s a combination that’s been around as long as humans have had taste buds and is the perfect way to clear up some space in that fridge.

With the help of some perfect al dente penne, fresh crisp green peas, and an obscene amount of cheese, we will welcome spring with open arms and full bellies! Although don’t let the word spring deter you, this dish is perfect year round! Don’t believe me? Test it out.

Get Creative With Your Leftovers

Why do we just think that leftovers are for microwaving on a plate and imagining we’re eating something a little fresher as we munch away? This dish will redefine the way you view leftovers, they will soon be a source of inspiration rather than something that takes up space in your fridge!

a plate of Ham and Cheese Penne with a fork

Ingredients

This is a recipe with an ingredient list that will taker you longer to read than it will to make. With the help of that already cooked ham, you’re half way there before you even begin! Now let’s get into it shall we:

Penne – You can use any pasta you happen to have in your cupboard for this recipe, preferably small types like farfalle, rotini, shells, etc.
Butter & olive oil – Olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter so melting that butter down with a bit of olive oil in the pot will give you all that brown butter flavour with none of the burnt butter bitterness.
Onion – A small one will do, look for something that mellows out as it cooks like a yellow or white onion.
Ham – Fully cooked and chopped.
Chicken broth – For flavour and to help create a saucier dish.
Heavy cream – A cup of this will create a thicker sauce that gives the ridges in the penne something to hold onto.
Salt & pepper – Season to taste, be sure to adjust according to the sodium content of your broth.
Mozzarella & cheddar cheese – We want to use some nice melty cheeses here, the addition of cheddar adds a nice sharpness.
Peas – I recommend using frozen as the pea will stay crisp and bright when it meets the hot pasta.
Parsley – Did you know that herbs are superfoods? Packed full of vitamins and folic acid, parsley is so much more than just a garnish.
Parmesan cheese – This last cheesy addition should be sprinkled on top just before serving.

What Else Can I Add

Veggies

Some nice sautéed mushrooms or zucchini can be used in place of peas. If you are looking to make this dish into a pasta bake, sautéed eggplant pairs quite nicely with ham and will add a nice chew to the dish.

Speaking of pasta bakes, this dish can easily be popped into a casserole dish, topped with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, and baked for 30 mins at 350 F degrees. If you want something nice and saucy however just stick with the original as the pasta will absorb more of that sauce in the oven, making it dry up a bit. Totally delish either way.

How To Make Leftover Ham And Cheese Penne

Cook the pasta: Al dente according to package instructions. Set aside.
Sauté the onion: Melt the butter down in some olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and let cook for 5 minutes till it softens.
Cook the ham: While the ham is already cooked, you’ll still want to add it to the pot at this point for 8 minutes to allow it to brown.
Create the sauce: Add the chicken broth first, followed by the cream to prevent the cream from scalding. Season with salt and pepper to taste before stirring in your mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Cook for 3 minutes more while stirring.
Finish the ham and cheese penne: Add your cooked pasta and frozen peas, allow to cook further for a few more minutes while stirring before garnishing with minced parsley and parmesan cheese.

Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If freezing allow the dish to cool fully in a shallow container before placing in the freezer.

Other Great Leftover Dishes To Try:

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