Experience the ultimate in convenience and flavor with this incredible one-pot Ham and Cheese Pasta. It’s the perfect solution for transforming leftover ham into a mouthwatering meal, bursting with irresistible ranch seasoning. Prepare for rave reviews – especially from the kids!
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Are you a fan of the zesty, herbaceous kick of ranch flavors? Then you’ll adore this dish! If you’re looking for more ranch-inspired culinary adventures, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes: Creamy Ranch Potatoes, satisfying Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps, a delightful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, or these easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders.
One-Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch: A Family Favorite Dinner
There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from serving a meal so universally loved, the pot is practically licked clean. This Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch is exactly that kind of dish. Imagine your kitchen filled with the aroma of savory ham, rich cheese, and the unmistakable zest of ranch. It’s a moment when the kids’ friends are over for dinner, and you witness the entire batch vanish in mere moments, followed by enthusiastic requests for “thirds!”
Honestly, when I prepare this One-Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch, I know there won’t be any leftovers. It’s a culinary triumph every single time. The combination of tender pasta, a luxuriously cheesy sauce, hearty ham, and the vibrant, herby goodness of ranch creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
Beyond its incredible taste, what truly makes this recipe a weeknight hero is its one-pot nature. Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, allowing you to spend more precious time with your family and less time scrubbing pots and pans. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience designed for convenience.
Why This One-Pot Ranch Pasta Will Become Your Go-To
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a game-changer for busy households seeking delicious, wholesome meals without the fuss. Here’s why this Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:
- Unbeatable Convenience: The magic of a one-pot meal cannot be overstated. Everything, from sautéing the aromatics to cooking the pasta and creating the sauce, happens in a single pot. This drastically cuts down on prep and cleanup time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Approved Flavors: Ranch seasoning is a universally loved flavor, and when combined with ham and cheese, it creates a comforting and familiar taste that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Expect clean plates and requests for seconds!
- Perfect for Leftovers: Have some leftover ham from a holiday dinner or a weekend roast? This recipe is an ingenious and delicious way to repurpose it, preventing food waste and transforming it into something new and exciting.
- Rich & Creamy Comfort: The combination of sour cream and two types of cheese melts into a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and ham, delivering a comforting experience with every bite.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal active cooking time and a straightforward process, this dish comes together quickly, making it a fantastic option when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast.
Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pot Masterpiece
Crafting this flavorful Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch requires a handful of common ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich taste and creamy texture:
The Base & Aromatics
- Butter: I typically opt for unsalted butter to have full control over the seasoning. If you use salted butter, remember to taste the dish before adding any additional salt to avoid over-seasoning. Butter provides a rich foundation for sautéing.
- Onion: A medium yellow onion, finely diced, provides a sweet and savory base. White onions can also be used, offering a slightly sharper flavor profile.
The Star of the Show: Ham
- Ham: This recipe truly shines as a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham. Simply cube it into bite-sized pieces. If you don’t have leftovers, a store-bought ham steak or pre-diced ham from the grocery store meat section works perfectly. For an exceptional starting point, consider making this delicious Honey Glazed Ham beforehand!
The Signature Ranch Blend
The magic of the ranch flavor comes from a carefully selected blend of dried spices:
- Dried Parsley: Provides a fresh, slightly peppery, and herbaceous note, essential for the classic ranch profile.
- Garlic Salt & Garlic Powder: A combination of both enhances the deep garlic flavor, with garlic salt adding a convenient layer of seasoning.
- Lemon Pepper: This often-overlooked spice adds a bright, zesty tang and a subtle peppery warmth that elevates the ranch taste.
- Dried Dill: Indispensable for authentic ranch flavor, dill contributes a distinctive sweet, grassy, and slightly anise-like aroma.
- Onion Powder: Complements the fresh onion and adds a concentrated, savory depth.
Pasta & Liquid
- Penne Pasta: This sturdy, tube-shaped pasta is ideal for one-pot cooking as it holds up well and its ridges are perfect for catching the creamy sauce. Other short pastas like rotini, ziti, or cavatappi would also work.
- Water: While water works perfectly fine, using chicken broth can add an extra layer of savory depth to the sauce.
The Creamy Finish
- Sour Cream: This is key to achieving the incredibly creamy, tangy sauce. I’ve only tested this recipe with full-fat sour cream, but reduced-fat versions should likely yield similar results, though perhaps with a slightly less rich texture.
- Cheese: A blend of shredded Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese creates a wonderfully melty, flavorful sauce. Monterey Jack offers superior melting qualities and a mild, buttery flavor, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth. Mozzarella can be a good substitute for Monterey Jack if needed.
How to Make One-Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch
Follow these simple steps to bring this incredibly delicious and convenient one-pot meal to life:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by placing a large Dutch oven or a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Season lightly with salt and pepper at this stage to build flavor.
- Infuse with Ham and Spices: Stir in the cooked diced ham along with all the ranch-inspired spices: dried parsley, garlic salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, dried dill, and onion powder. Continue to cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly. This brief cooking time allows the spices to bloom in the butter and ham drippings, releasing their full aroma and flavor into the dish.
- Add Pasta and Water: Pour the dry penne pasta and the water (or chicken broth) into the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged and well-distributed.
- Cook the Pasta to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, place the lid securely on the pot and cook for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, remove the lid and continue to cook, stirring every couple of minutes. This ensures the pasta cooks evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the pasta is perfectly al dente (tender with a slight bite).
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce looks smooth and creamy.
- Melt in the Cheese: Finally, add both the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheeses have completely melted, creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Serve Immediately: Dish out this delightful Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch while it’s hot and enjoy!
- Don’t Fear the Starchy Water: It’s perfectly normal if a small amount of liquid remains in the pot after the pasta reaches al dente. This starchy water is your friend! When you stir in the sour cream, it will combine with this liquid to create a wonderfully smooth, thick, and flavorful sauce. Avoid draining it unless there’s an excessive amount.
- Get Creative with Protein: While ham is a star here, feel free to substitute it with other cooked meats. Shredded chicken (especially rotisserie chicken) is an excellent choice. Crumbled cooked bacon, sausage, or even smoked turkey would also be delicious. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat entirely or add some sautéed mushrooms.
- Boost Your Veggies: This pasta is a perfect canvas for sneaking in extra vegetables. Consider adding a cup of frozen peas, corn, chopped spinach (stirred in at the very end), or finely diced bell peppers along with the onions. Broccoli florets can be added during the last 5-7 minutes of pasta cooking.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the pasta may absorb more liquid and become slightly drier. To restore its creamy texture, add a splash of chicken broth or milk while warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over the top adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
- Extra Cheesy Indulgence: For those who love extra cheese (and who doesn’t?), serve the pasta with additional shredded Parmesan or Monterey Jack cheese on the side, allowing everyone to customize their serving.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the other spices can give this creamy pasta a delightful kick.
- 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
- 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 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 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.
Pro Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Ranch Pasta
While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your One-Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch from good to extraordinary:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this recipe:
Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Yes, short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, cavatappi, or even elbow macaroni work well. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed, as different pasta shapes can vary.
Q: Can I use milk instead of water for cooking the pasta?
A: While possible, water (or broth) is generally recommended for cooking pasta in a one-pot method as it allows the pasta to release its starches, which then thickens the sauce beautifully. Milk can sometimes scorch more easily when used for prolonged cooking.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: While it can be frozen, pasta dishes with creamy sauces and sour cream tend to separate or become a bit grainy upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator within a few days. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Q: What are good side dishes to serve with this pasta?
A: This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping, or steamed green beans or asparagus.
More Convenient One-Pot Dinners
If you love the ease of one-pot cooking, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes that minimize cleanup without sacrificing flavor:
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Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch
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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!
Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes:
This recipe was updated in 2022 to be turned into a one-pot meal. In the original recipe, you would cook the pasta separately. Then you would make a sauce by melting 1 tablespoon of butter and whisking in 1 tablespoon of flour. Whisk in 1 cup of milk and cook until thickened. Then add the rest of the ingredients and stir together, including the pasta.
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.