Making a tasty one pot ham & penne skillet recipe is super easy. It’s perfect for busy families who need a quick dinner. This meal is ready in under 30 minutes.

Imagine coming home from a long day and finding dinner ready. This skillet recipe has tender ham, cooked penne pasta, and rich flavors. It’s a hit with everyone, guaranteed to get seconds.

This recipe is full of flavor and easy to make. It’s a one-pan wonder that makes weeknight meals exciting. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and endless dishes to clean.

Whether you’re a busy parent, working professional, or home cook, this ham and penne skillet is ideal. It’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why This One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Weeknights can be tough for families with busy schedules. This one-pan meal is a tasty fix. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, making it a top choice for busy nights.

Time-Saving Benefits of One-Pan Cooking

One-pan meals are a big help in the kitchen. They let you:

Save time cooking
Do less cleaning up
Work more efficiently

Imagine enjoying a delicious dinner without facing a mountain of dishes afterward!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this simple dinner, you’ll need just a few things. You’ll need:

Large skillet or cast-iron pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula

“Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.” – Home Chef Wisdom

Budget-Friendly Meal Planning

This versatile meal also saves money. You can use leftover ham or veggies, cutting down on waste and costs. It’s great for families watching their budget but still want to eat well.

Recipe card

Making a tasty ham pasta meal is easy. This skillet dinner turns simple ingredients into a dish everyone will enjoy. Here’s what you need to know to make this great penne pasta.

Kitchen Essentials

To cook this skillet dinner, you’ll need these tools:

12-inch large skillet with lid
Wooden cooking spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp kitchen knife
Cutting board

Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need

Get these ingredients to make your ham pasta:

2 cups diced ham
16 oz penne pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheese
1 diced onion
2 minced garlic cloves
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make your skillet dinner:

Heat skillet over medium heat
Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant
Add diced ham and cook for 3 minutes
Pour in chicken broth and penne pasta
Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes
Stir in cream and cheese
Cook until sauce thickens
Season with salt and pepper

Pro tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving!

Simple Steps to Create Your Delicious Skillet Dinner

Turning leftovers into a tasty comfort food meal is simple. This one-pan ham and penne skillet recipe makes ordinary ingredients into a fantastic dinner. Your family will surely ask for more.

Let’s make the cooking process easy to follow:

Start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the leftover ham into small pieces and chop any veggies you’ll use.
Heat a big skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. This makes a great base for your dish.
Cook your veggies until they’re soft and lightly browned. This adds flavor to your meal.

The key to a creamy, tasty skillet dinner is the sauce. Pro tip: Slowly add milk or cream while stirring. This makes a smooth sauce that covers every pasta piece.

“Cooking is about making something delicious with what you have on hand” – Unknown Chef

Want to make your skillet your own? Here are some quick ideas:

Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme
Sprinkle extra cheese on top
Toss in some frozen veggies for extra nutrition

This recipe is all about flexibility. Your leftover ham becomes the main attraction in a new, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s quick to make.

Conclusion

This one pot ham & penne skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to make and full of flavor. It turns dinner into a fun time for families to come together.

It’s also great for saving money because it uses ingredients wisely. You can change up the recipe with what you have at home. This makes it a flexible and tasty meal.

This recipe is a mix of creativity and practicality. It’s great for anyone who wants a tasty meal fast. Just grab your skillet and ingredients, and you’re ready to make a meal that will impress.

We encourage you to make this recipe your own. Try new seasonings and share your ideas. Connect with others who love cooking up delicious, easy meals.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne is great, but you can use other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini. Just adjust cooking times a bit based on the pasta shape you pick.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover ham and penne skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep it creamy. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetarian protein like plant-based ham, diced tofu, or extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also add white beans for more protein.

What if I don’t have leftover ham?

No worries! Use deli ham, pre-cooked ham steak, or even bacon as a substitute. You can also try rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey for a different flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze this dish, but the texture might change a bit when thawed. If you freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with a bit more liquid to keep it moist.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some heat with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños during cooking. Sprinkle cayenne pepper or black pepper for an extra kick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free penne pasta and make sure chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free. Also, check your ham to avoid gluten-based additives.