Easy Ham and Noodles: A Comfort Food Classic

Ham and noodles is a quintessential comfort food dish, simple to make, satisfying, and perfect for using up leftover holiday ham. This recipe focuses on delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. Forget complicated sauces and fancy ingredients; this version is all about the basics done right.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.

* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings.

* **Adaptable:** Easily customize this recipe to your liking with different vegetables, spices, or types of noodles.

* **Kid-Friendly:** The mild flavors and comforting texture make this a hit with kids of all ages.

* **Great for Leftovers:** Ham and noodles tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or packing lunches.

## Ingredients

* **8 ounces Egg Noodles:** Wide or medium egg noodles work best. You can also use other types of pasta, such as fettuccine or rotini, if desired.

* **2 tablespoons Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.

* **1/2 cup Diced Onion:** Provides a savory base flavor.

* **2 cloves Garlic, minced:** Enhances the savory notes and adds depth.

* **4 cups Chicken Broth:** Forms the base of the sauce and provides moisture for cooking the noodles. Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can control the salt level.

* **2 cups Cooked Ham, diced:** The star of the dish! Use leftover holiday ham or purchase pre-cooked ham from the deli. Smoked ham adds extra flavor.

* **1 cup Frozen Peas (optional):** Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish. Other vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, can also be used.

* **1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme:** Adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the ham and chicken broth. Other herbs, such as rosemary or sage, can also be used.

* **Salt and Pepper to taste:** Season the dish to your liking.

* **Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional):** For garnish and a pop of freshness.

## Equipment

* Large Pot or Dutch Oven

* Cutting Board

* Knife

* Measuring Cups and Spoons

* Wooden Spoon or Spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Cook the Noodles:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside. Rinsing the noodles is not generally recommended as the starch helps thicken the sauce. However, if you prefer less starchy noodles, a quick rinse is fine.

2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. **Build the Sauce:** Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the diced ham, frozen peas (if using), and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. **Simmer and Thicken:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. **Combine and Serve:** Add the cooked egg noodles to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for a minute or two, until the noodles are warmed and coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked noodles will become mushy and detract from the overall texture of the dish. Cook the noodles al dente, meaning they are still slightly firm to the bite.

* **Use Good Quality Ham:** The flavor of the ham is crucial to the success of this dish. Opt for a good quality ham that is flavorful and not overly salty. Smoked ham adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

* **Adjust the Broth:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce for a longer period of time to allow it to reduce naturally. For a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth.

* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Add different vegetables, spices, or cheeses to customize it to your liking. Consider adding mushrooms, carrots, celery, spinach, or different types of herbs.

* **Season to Taste:** Be sure to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. The amount of salt required will depend on the saltiness of the ham and the chicken broth.

## Variations

* **Creamy Ham and Noodles:** For a creamier dish, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra richness.

* **Cheesy Ham and Noodles:** Add a cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or mozzarella, during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until the cheese is melted and creamy.

* **Ham and Noodles Casserole:** Combine the cooked ham and noodles with the sauce and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

* **Spicy Ham and Noodles:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

* **Vegetarian Version:** Substitute the ham with cooked mushrooms or vegetarian ham alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

* **Gluten-Free Version:** Use gluten-free noodles. Rice noodles or quinoa pasta are good options. Check the label of the ham and broth to ensure they are gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

Ham and noodles is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham and noodles.

* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dishes.

* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta dish.

* **Coleslaw:** Coleslaw adds a creamy and crunchy element to the meal.

* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a perfect way to end the meal.

## Make Ahead and Storage

**Make Ahead:** Ham and noodles can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave.

**Storage:** Store leftover ham and noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce during storage, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

**Freezing:** While ham and noodles can be frozen, the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the ham and noodles to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)

* Protein: 25-35 grams

* Fat: 15-25 grams

* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

## Conclusion

Easy ham and noodles is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and adaptable nature, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re using up leftover holiday ham or simply craving a taste of home, this dish is guaranteed to please. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and heartwarming meal!