Creamy Ham and Mushroom Pasta
This delightful Creamy Ham and Mushroom Pasta is the perfect solution for utilizing leftover ham while satisfying your cravings for comfort food. The marriage of succulent cubes of ham with earthy canned mushrooms creates a dish full of flavor, while the creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully. I prefer pasta with ridges as it captures every drop of the luscious sauce! Though I would typically add sweet green peas for a pop of color and nutrition, my household has other preferences. Instead, I serve this hearty meal alongside a refreshing leafy salad, making it a complete dining experience. Quick, easy, and extraordinarily satisfying, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta
12 ounces (cooked)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Green Onion
1/2 cup (sliced)
Canned Mushrooms
4 1/2 ounces (drained)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
Cooked Ham
1 1/2 cups (cubed)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced green onions and drained mushrooms, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes or until the onions are fragrant and translucent.
2
Lower the heat and stir in the cubed cream cheese, followed by the milk. Continue stirring gently until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3
Add the cubed ham and cooked pasta to the sauce, carefully mixing to combine all the ingredients. Cook over medium heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
4
Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional green onions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ham and Mushroom Pasta?
It is a comforting dish featuring cooked pasta tossed in a rich sauce made from cream cheese, milk, ham, and canned mushrooms.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Pasta with ridges is recommended because it helps capture and hold the luscious creamy sauce.
Can I use leftover ham for this dish?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a perfect solution for utilizing leftover ham.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 8 main ingredients: pasta, butter, green onions, canned mushrooms, cream cheese, milk, cooked ham, and parmesan cheese.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce base is made by melting cubed cream cheese into milk until smooth.
Should the pasta be cooked beforehand?
Yes, you should have 12 ounces of pasta already cooked before adding it to the sauce.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 ounces of canned mushrooms that have been thoroughly drained.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, adding sweet green peas is a great way to add color and extra nutrition.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and mushrooms?
You should sauté the sliced green onions and mushrooms in butter for about 3 to 4 minutes.
What temperature should I use to melt the cream cheese?
It is best to lower the heat before stirring in the cream cheese and milk to ensure a smooth consistency.
How much ham is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of cubed cooked ham.
What is the final step before serving?
Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, optionally you can garnish the finished pasta with additional sliced green onions.
How long do I cook the mixture once the ham and pasta are added?
Cook the combined ingredients over medium heat for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick, one-dish meal that is extraordinarily satisfying.
What should I serve as a side dish?
A refreshing leafy salad is a great accompaniment to make this a complete dining experience.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of milk.
Does this recipe use fresh or canned mushrooms?
This specific version of the recipe utilizes canned mushrooms for convenience.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is used to finish the dish.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a hearty meal and a comfort food family favorite.
How much butter is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of butter to sauté the initial ingredients.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, as a one-dish meal that heats through well, it is a practical choice for busy households.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be sliced before being sautéed in the butter.
What size should the ham be cut into?
The ham should be cut into cubes for even distribution throughout the pasta.
How many ounces of cream cheese are in the recipe?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce block of cream cheese, cubed.
Is there any preparation needed for the butter?
The butter is melted in a large saucepan at the start of the cooking process.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as smooth, creamy, and luscious.
Does the recipe contain any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this savory pasta dish.
Can I use different types of onions?
While the recipe specifies green onions for their fragrance and translucency, you could substitute other onions if needed.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While the pasta is cooked separately, the sauce and final assembly take place in a single large saucepan.