When comfort food calls, nothing answers quite like a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that comes together in a single pot. This one pot cheesy pasta and ham recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, combining the convenience of minimal cleanup with the satisfaction of a homemade meal that your whole family will love.

Perfect for transforming leftover holiday ham or making a quick dinner any time of year, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to your table with minimal effort.

Why You Will Love This One Pot Pasta Recipe

This recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and comfort. The magic happens when the pasta cooks directly in the same pot with the other ingredients, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce from the starches released during cooking. No separate boiling, straining, or juggling multiple pots required. The ham adds a savory depth and satisfying protein, while the combination of cheeses creates that irresistible pull that makes every bite memorable.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even rotisserie chicken, the basic technique remains the same. The one-pot method means the flavors meld together perfectly as they cook, and the cleanup is as easy as the preparation.

What You Can Serve This With

This versatile dish works beautifully as a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple sides to create a more elaborate dinner. A crisp green salad adds freshness and contrast to the creamy pasta, while garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the cheese sauce. For a vegetable boost, serve it alongside roasted broccoli or cooked green beans, which complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Ingredients Needed

1 med onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
2 cups mushrooms, chopped
3 cups cooked ham, cubed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cups pasta noodles (we used rotini)
5 cups water
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tbsp parsley finely chopped for garnish

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Pasta and Ham

Add oil to large cooking pot (4 to 5 litre pot).

Heat oil and add onions, garlic and mushrooms. Sauté for 2 minutes.

Add ham and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes.

Add salt and pepper and then add pasta and water.

Cover and cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.

Check if pasta is cooked enough. Water should be absorbed fully by this point.

Add shredded cheese.

Mix all together and remove from heat when cheese melted.

Garnish with parsley.

Serve and enjoy!

One pot cheesy pasta and ham on a plate.

Conclusion

This one pot cheesy pasta and ham recipe proves that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or create a sink full of dishes. It’s the kind of recipe that will quickly become a family favorite, requested again and again for its comforting flavors and simple preparation.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick weeknight solutions, a beginner cook wanting to build your recipe repertoire, or simply someone who appreciates good food without the fuss, this dish delivers on all fronts.