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Healthy Ham and Pea Pasta Revival

🌡️Storage Guidelines
Store any leftover creamy ham pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
✨Pro Tip: Mascarpone Leftovers
This recipe is fantastic for using up those small amounts of mascarpone cheese leftover from other culinary adventures. I frequently have some remaining after making desserts like my No Bake Black Forest Tiramisu or Raspberry Tiramisu Cutie Pies. It’s a double win, using both leftover ham and mascarpone!
After making My Glazed Carrot Cake Doughnut Muffins, where only a small portion of mascarpone was needed, I simply froze the remainder. Mascarpone cheese freezes exceptionally well, making it a convenient ingredient to have on hand for future dishes like this one. Just pull it out when you’re ready to create something delicious!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 356kcal (18%) | Carbohydrates: 47g (16%) | Protein: 16g (32%) | Fat: 10g (15%) | Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) | Cholesterol: 39mg (13%) | Sodium: 512mg (22%) | Potassium: 160mg (5%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 265IU (5%) | Vitamin C: 1.6mg (2%) | Calcium: 43mg (4%) | Iron: 1.1mg (6%)
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Easy & Healthy Creamy Leftover Ham Pasta with Peas: Your 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner Solution

Transform your post-holiday ham into a delightful and nutritious meal with this incredibly easy and healthy **Creamy Leftover Ham Pasta with Peas**. This recipe is a true kitchen hero, combining tender chunks of savory ham with vibrant green peas and a luxurious mascarpone cheese sauce, all ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes! It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet quick, making excellent use of precious leftovers.

Healthy Ham Pasta in a skillet with a wooden spoon, with a red napkin in the background.

Forget the usual ham sandwiches or endless rounds of split pea soup! This vibrant pasta dish offers a fresh and exciting way to repurpose your Picnic Ham or any other leftover ham from festive gatherings like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Crafted with readily available pantry staples such as canned diced tomatoes, canned mushrooms, frozen peas, and fragrant dried herbs, it’s a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. Serve it alongside this tangy Cucumber Kimchi recipe for a surprisingly delicious pairing that adds a refreshing crunch.

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Are you finding yourself with an abundance of leftover ham and searching for new, healthy ham recipes that go beyond the ordinary? You’ve come to the right place! Explore a wealth of creative and healthy leftover ham ideas to inspire your next meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Ham Pasta

This recipe shines by utilizing not only that valuable leftover holiday ham but also a selection of pantry staples and convenient frozen items. It’s designed for efficiency, delivering a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious meal in under half an hour! To bring this healthy ham pasta dish to life, you’ll need the following:

Ingredients in Leftover Ham Pasta in glass bowls, labelled.

*Refer to the full recipe card below for precise quantities and additional details.

Customizing Your Ham Pasta: Variations & Substitutions

One of the beauties of this creamy ham pasta recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to tailor it to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some popular variations and substitutions:

Crafting Your Creamy Ham Pasta with Peas: Step-by-Step Guide

Drained pasta in colander on faux wood surface.
  1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Begin by cooking your chosen pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. Aim for an al dente texture – firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly through a colander and set it aside.
Cubed ham and onions in skillet with black spatula.
  1. Step 2: Sauté Ham and Onions. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed leftover ham and finely chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté until the onions have softened and become translucent, and the ham begins to develop a light golden hue, about 5-7 minutes.
Tomatoes, garlic and chicken broth added to ham and onions.
  1. Step 3: Build the Sauce Base. Pour in the chicken broth (or bouillon powder mixed with boiling water). Then, add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the minced garlic to the ham and onion mixture. Stir everything together to combine, allowing the flavors to meld.
Mascarpone cheese whisked into ham mixture in large skillet with black whisk
  1. Step 4: Incorporate Mascarpone. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the mascarpone cheese to the skillet and whisk it gently into the ham and tomato mixture until it is fully incorporated and the sauce appears smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to deepen.
peas and mushrooms added to ham mixture
  1. Step 5: Add Peas and Mushrooms. Stir in the frozen peas (no need to defrost them first) and the drained canned mushrooms. Continue to simmer the mixture for another 3-5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and tender-crisp.
Pasta added to ham mixture in large glass bowl.
  1. Step 6: Combine and Season. Add the cooked and drained pasta directly to the skillet with the ham and sauce, or, as I often do, combine everything in a large serving bowl or casserole dish. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Toss gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the rich, creamy sauce.
Pasta mixed with ham mixture in large glass bowl with spoon.
  1. Step 7: Garnish and Serve. Ladle the creamy ham pasta into individual serving bowls. For an added touch of flavor and elegance, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil sprigs for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chef’s Top Tip: Maximizing Leftovers

One of the brilliant aspects of this recipe is its dual purpose: it expertly uses up both your leftover ham and any extra mascarpone cheese you might have! As a passionate home cook, I often find myself with leftover mascarpone after preparing delightful desserts like my No Bake Black Forest Tiramisu or my charming Raspberry Tiramisu Cutie Pies. This creamy ham pasta recipe is the perfect savory solution for those sweet remnants.

Recently, after whipping up My Glazed Carrot Cake Doughnut Muffins for a potluck, I had a good portion of mascarpone left over. Instead of letting it go to waste, I simply tucked it into the freezer until I was ready to create this delicious pasta dish. This highlights a crucial tip: **Mascarpone cheese freezes exceptionally well!** Store it in an airtight container, and it will be ready to contribute its luxurious creaminess to your next meal whenever you need it. This clever trick ensures nothing goes to waste and you’re always prepared for a quick, gourmet-level dinner.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Creamy Ham Pasta

This Creamy Leftover Ham Pasta is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complement its rich flavors:

brown sugar glazed carrots in a black bowl, with a spoon, on grey linen

Serving & Adjusting Portions

This delicious Leftover Ham Pasta recipe is designed to yield 6 satisfying servings. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or a larger gathering, adjusting the portion size is incredibly simple. You can easily halve, double, or even triple the recipe to suit your needs. Just click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired number of servings; the ingredient quantities will automatically adjust, taking the guesswork out of meal preparation.

Leftover Ham Pasta in a bowl with a pan of more in the background

Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Ham

How long is leftover ham good for in the fridge?

Properly stored ham, kept in an airtight container, can be safely refrigerated and enjoyed for up to 3-5 days. Always ensure it’s cooled quickly after cooking before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.

Can you freeze leftover ham?

Yes, you can freeze leftover ham for an extended period, typically 1-2 months, if stored in a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. However, it’s important to be aware that freezing ham, whether before or after cooking, can sometimes alter its flavor and texture. Frozen and then defrosted ham might become a bit spongy or watery, and its saltiness could intensify. While it might not be ideal for serving as a standalone dish, it remains perfectly suited for use in cooked recipes like this ham pasta, soups, pizzas, or casseroles, where its texture changes are less noticeable.

How do I reheat leftover ham pasta?

To reheat leftover ham pasta, you can either use the microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or broth to prevent drying, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For a skillet, gently warm the pasta over medium-low heat, again adding a tablespoon or two of liquid (milk, broth, or even water) to restore creaminess, stirring occasionally until hot.

While I often gravitate towards turkey for holiday dinners, there are those special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter when ham takes center stage. This creamy ham and pea pasta recipe is the perfect culinary canvas for those delicious holiday ham leftovers.

If you’re on the hunt for healthy leftover ham recipes that transform simple ingredients into a gourmet meal, know that your options extend far beyond traditional ham and split pea soup or basic ham sandwiches. This ham and pea pasta is an excellent starting point, showcasing just how versatile and exciting leftover ham can be!

However, if a comforting, hearty soup is what you truly desire, don’t miss my comforting Leftover Ham and Macaroni Soup – another fantastic way to utilize ham scraps.

Discover More Delicious Leftover Recipes

Embrace the art of mindful cooking and reduce food waste with these other creative and delicious recipes designed to make the most of your leftovers. Each offers a unique way to repurpose ingredients into fresh, exciting meals.

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ham pasta in a pot with red napkin in the background
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📋 Healthy Leftover Creamy Ham Pasta with Peas Recipe

Utilize your leftover holiday ham and any extra mascarpone cheese with this incredibly satisfying Healthy Leftover Creamy Ham Pasta & Peas recipe! It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal, ready to serve in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for any busy evening.
4.89 from 9 votes
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Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Canadian, Italian-inspired
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 356kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 375 g box of pasta (spiral, rigatoni, fusilli etc)
  • 2 cups leftover ham, chopped into ½ inch cubes
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes and juices (798 ml)
  • 1 ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 500 g bag of frozen green peas (about 2 cups, defrosted or added frozen)
  • 1 284 ml can of mushrooms, drained
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil

For Garnish:

  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
    1 375 g – box of pasta (spiral, rigatoni, fusilli etc)
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, fry the cubed ham with the finely chopped onion until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
    2 cups leftover ham, chopped into ½ inch cubes, 1 onion, finely chopped
  • Add the chicken broth, then stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer.
    ½ cup chicken broth, 1 28 oz – can diced tomatoes and juices 798 mls, 1 ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • Whisk in the mascarpone cheese until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy. Continue to cook over medium-low heat for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
    ½ cup mascarpone cheese
  • Next, add the frozen green peas and the drained canned mushrooms to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, ensuring the peas are tender and heated through.
    1 500 g -bag of frozen green peas, 1 284 ml can of mushrooms
  • Add the cooked pasta, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can mix the pasta and sauce directly in your chosen serving bowl or casserole dish.
    ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon basil

To Serve:

  • Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your quick, healthy, and delicious meal!
    parmesan cheese, basil sprinkles for garnish

Notes

🌡️Storage Guidelines
Store any leftover creamy ham pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
✨Pro Tip: Mascarpone Leftovers
This recipe is fantastic for using up those small amounts of mascarpone cheese leftover from other culinary adventures. I frequently have some remaining after making desserts like my No Bake Black Forest Tiramisu or Raspberry Tiramisu Cutie Pies. It’s a double win, using both leftover ham and mascarpone!
After making My Glazed Carrot Cake Doughnut Muffins, where only a small portion of mascarpone was needed, I simply froze the remainder. Mascarpone cheese freezes exceptionally well, making it a convenient ingredient to have on hand for future dishes like this one. Just pull it out when you’re ready to create something delicious!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 356kcal (18%) | Carbohydrates: 47g (16%) | Protein: 16g (32%) | Fat: 10g (15%) | Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) | Cholesterol: 39mg (13%) | Sodium: 512mg (22%) | Potassium: 160mg (5%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 265IU (5%) | Vitamin C: 1.6mg (2%) | Calcium: 43mg (4%) | Iron: 1.1mg (6%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe