One Pot Ham Penne Skillet Recipe | Quick Family Meal

Looking for a tasty dinner that’s quick and easy? This one pot ham & penne skillet recipe is perfect. It turns leftover ham into a creamy, comforting dish in just 30 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights, with tender pasta and savory ham in a rich sauce that everyone will enjoy.

No need for complicated cooking. Our ham pasta recipes make dinner easy with a single skillet. They save time and effort, and taste amazing. Whether you’re a busy parent or a home cook, this recipe offers great taste without long hours in the kitchen.

Imagine making a delicious pasta dish from leftover holiday ham. This skillet recipe is easy to make and tastes amazing. It shows that you can have a fantastic meal with just a few ingredients and simple steps.

Easy One-Pot Cooking: Kitchen Essentials and Prep Tips

Skillet dinners have changed home cooking for busy families. They offer quick and tasty meals for weeknights. These meals are fast, yet they bring great flavor and memories.

To master one-pot cooking, you need the right tools and prep tips. Let’s see how to make your kitchen better for cooking.

Best Cookware for One-Pot Meals

Choosing the right cookware is crucial for family meals. Cast iron skillets are the best for one-pot cooking. They have:

  • Exceptional heat retention
  • Versatility across stovetop and oven
  • Natural non-stick surface when properly seasoned
  • Durability that lasts generations

Time-Saving Ingredient Preparation

Efficient prep is key for skillet dinners. Here are some smart tips:

  1. Chop vegetables in advance
  2. Pre-measure spices and seasonings
  3. Keep pantry staples organized
  4. Invest in quality storage containers

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Get these essential tools for easy one-pot cooking:

  • Heavy-bottom skillet
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

*”The right tools can transform cooking from a chore to a joy.”*

Recipe card

Turn leftover ham into a tasty comfort food feast with this simple one-pot meal. It’s quick and brings your family together in under 30 minutes. This skillet recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet with high sides
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Wooden cooking spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board

Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 cups diced leftover ham
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small diced onion
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Simple Cooking Instructions

  1. Sauté onions and garlic in skillet until fragrant
  2. Add diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes
  3. Pour in chicken broth and uncooked penne
  4. Simmer covered for 10-12 minutes
  5. Stir in cream and cheese until melted
  6. Season with salt and pepper

Pro tip: This versatile recipe works perfectly with fresh or leftover ham, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking quick weeknight dinners.

One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet Recipe

Looking for a tasty, kid-friendly dish that makes dinner prep easy? This one pot ham & penne skillet recipe turns simple ingredients into a meal everyone will love. It’s great for busy families who want to spend less time cooking and more time together.

This skillet recipe is all about simplicity. It cooks everything in one pan, making a creamy, flavorful dish. You get tender penne pasta and savory ham pieces in every bite. It’s a perfect mix of textures and tastes that kids and adults both enjoy.

  • Minimal cleanup required
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Packed with protein and comfort

This recipe is also very flexible. Swap ham for chicken or add extra veggies to make it healthier. The skillet method makes sure every ingredient gets full flavor, creating a dish that feels like a homemade comfort meal.

“Simple ingredients, extraordinary taste – that’s the secret to a perfect family dinner.” – Home Cooking Expert

Whether you’re a busy parent or new to cooking, this recipe is easy and stress-free. It delivers delicious results that will impress even the most finicky eaters.

Tips for Perfect Pasta and Sauce Consistency

Making the best ham pasta recipes is all about balance. Skillet dinners, like our ham and penne dish, need careful attention. This ensures every bite is a comfort food dream.

Mastering Pasta Texture

Getting the right pasta texture is key for tasty skillet dinners. Here are some important tips:

  • Stir often to avoid sticking and cook evenly
  • Check pasta’s firmness 2-3 minutes before it’s done
  • Go for al dente – firm but not hard

Sauce Thickening Techniques

The secret to creamy ham pasta recipes is sauce consistency. Try these easy methods:

  1. Add pasta water slowly to adjust thickness
  2. Simmer sauce to let it thicken naturally
  3. Use a little flour or cornstarch if it’s too thin

Seasoning Balance Guide

“Great comfort food is about harmony, not overwhelming flavor.”

Improve your skillet dinners with smart seasoning tips:

  • Taste and adjust salt little by little
  • Add fresh herbs for a bright taste
  • Try spices like paprika or black pepper

Mastering these techniques turns a simple ham pasta recipe into a family favorite.

Conclusion

The One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet is perfect for busy families. It’s quick, easy, and ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a tasty meal that everyone loves.

Recipes like this show that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. With one-pot cooking, you can make healthy meals fast. This way, dinner time becomes a time to share and enjoy, not stress.

If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, this recipe is a great start. It’s a simple way to make weeknight meals better. Try it and see how easy it is to make delicious food without fuss.

Begin with this recipe and explore more tasty options. Make dinner time fun, fast, and full of flavor. It’s all about finding the right balance in the kitchen.

FAQ

Can I use different types of pasta for this One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet?

Absolutely! Penne is great, but you can also use rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli. Just remember, cooking times might change a bit based on the pasta shape.

What if I don’t have leftover ham? Can I use another protein?

No problem! You can swap the ham for cooked chicken, bacon, or diced sausage. For a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or plant-based protein. This keeps the dish hearty and tasty.

How long can I store leftovers of this One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Certainly! Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream instead of milk and cream. For a cheesy flavor, try dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. You can also serve hot sauce on the side for extra spice.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet?

It goes well with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli. The creamy pasta pairs well with many sides.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare ingredients in advance and store them separately. When ready, combine them in the skillet. It’s quick, taking about 30 minutes to cook, perfect for busy nights. one pot ham & penne skillet recipeTurn leftover ham into a tasty comfort food feast with this simple one-pot meal. It's quick and brings your family together in under 30 minutes. This skillet recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. Print Recipe Pin Recipe EquipmentLarge 12-inch skillet with high sidesSharp chef’s knifeWooden cooking spoonMeasuring cups and spoonsCutting boardIngredients  2 cups diced leftover ham8 ounces penne pasta1 cup chicken broth1/2 cup heavy cream1 cup shredded cheddar cheese1 small diced onion2 minced garlic clovesSalt and pepper to tasteInstructions Sauté onions and garlic in skillet until fragrantAdd diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutesPour in chicken broth and uncooked penneSimmer covered for 10-12 minutesStir in cream and cheese until meltedSeason with salt and pepper

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