This Ham and Pasta Skillet Dinner is one of the easiest and most delicious weeknight dinners! Tender pasta, savory ham, sweet peas, and a light lemon-parmesan sauce come together in one skillet for a quick family meal that everyone loves.
Why This Leftover Ham Pasta Recipe Works
After holidays like Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, it’s common to have extra ham sitting in the fridge. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it uses simple ingredients, cooks quickly, and only requires one pan. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting dinner on the table that the whole family will love.
Families love this recipe because it’s:
- Quick and easy – ready in about 30 minutes
- One-skillet friendly – fewer dishes to wash
- Great for leftovers – perfect way to use up ham
- Kid-approved – simple flavors kids enjoy
- Balanced – pasta, protein, and veggies in one meal
The lemon juice brightens the dish while Parmesan cheese adds richness, creating a light sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Tips for the Best Ham Pasta Skillet:
- Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente works best since it continues cooking in the skillet.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Cook the sauce down properly so it coats the pasta instead of becoming watery.
Easy Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible depending on what you have in your fridge.
Add More Vegetables
Try adding:
- asparagus
- spinach
- broccoli
- mushrooms
Make It Creamy
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Swap the Pasta
This dish works well with:
- penne
- rotini
- shells
- whole wheat pasta
Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh parsley or basil adds a bright finishing touch.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: While possible, pasta dishes tend to lose texture when frozen, so this recipe is best enjoyed fresh.
More Easy Skillet Dinners:
Ham and Pasta Skillet
This Ham and Pasta Skillet Dinner is comforting, flavorful, and a perfect way to transform leftover ham into a fresh, satisfying dinner.
Servings: 6
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. The pasta will continue cooking slightly in the skillet later. Drain well and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook for 4–6 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
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Stir in diced ham, basil, and oregano. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the ham to warm and release its flavor.
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Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes, until the liquid reduces by roughly half.
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Stir in frozen peas and cook until heated through. Add the drained pasta and ½ cup Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together so the pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce.
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Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.