One-Pot Ham and Veggie Pasta: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Meal

Weeknights can be hectic, leaving little time for elaborate cooking. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor and nutrition! This One-Pot Ham and Veggie Pasta is the perfect solution: it’s quick, easy, packed with wholesome ingredients, and requires minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings. Plus, it’s highly customizable – feel free to swap out the veggies or pasta to suit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Ham and Veggie Pasta

• Easy Cleanup: The biggest win! Only one pot to wash.
• Quick and Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, carbs, and plenty of veggies.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Delicious: A comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious one-pot pasta dish:

• Pasta: 1 pound of pasta, such as rotini, penne, farfalle (bow ties), or elbow macaroni. Short shapes work best to ensure even cooking. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti unless you break them into smaller pieces. Whole wheat pasta is a great option for added fiber.
• Ham: 1 cup of diced cooked ham. Leftover ham from a holiday meal is perfect for this! You can also use pre-cooked ham cubes or slices. For a leaner option, consider using turkey ham.
• Broth: 4 cups of chicken broth (low sodium is recommended). Vegetable broth also works well for a vegetarian version.
• Vegetables: A mix of your favorites! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge. Here are some suggestions:
  • Broccoli: 1 cup of broccoli florets.
  • Carrots: 1/2 cup of sliced carrots.
  • Peas: 1/2 cup of frozen peas.
  • Corn: 1/2 cup of frozen or canned corn (drained).
  • Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper (any color).
  • Zucchini: 1/2 cup of diced zucchini.
  • Onion: 1/2 cup of chopped onion (yellow or white).
  • Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Cheese: 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (or any cheese you like). For a creamier sauce, try adding a few tablespoons of cream cheese or ricotta cheese at the end.
• Seasoning:
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste).
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (or to taste).
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped green onions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious one-pot ham and veggie pasta:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add Ham and Vegetables: Add the diced ham, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and diced bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften slightly. Adding the harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli at this stage allows them to cook properly along with the pasta.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth.
4. Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for the time indicated on your pasta package (usually 8-12 minutes), or until the pasta is cooked through and the broth has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the pasta is absorbing the broth too quickly, you can add a little more broth or water.
5. Add Remaining Vegetables: During the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas, corn, and diced zucchini (if using). This ensures they don’t become overcooked and retain their vibrant color and texture.
6. Stir in Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and the broth has mostly been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the one-pot ham and veggie pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Tips and Tricks for the Best One-Pot Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta while it’s cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time on the package. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better and have a more pleasant texture.
• Adjust the Broth: The amount of broth you need may vary depending on the type of pasta you use and how much moisture your vegetables release. If the pasta is absorbing the broth too quickly, add a little more broth or water. If there’s too much broth at the end, you can remove the lid and simmer the pasta for a few more minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.
• Chop Vegetables Evenly: Ensure that all the vegetables are chopped into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the onions and garlic at the beginning helps to develop their flavors and create a more flavorful base for the pasta dish.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as basil or oregano, feel free to add them to the pasta for extra flavor. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.
• Add Protein: Besides ham, you can also add other sources of protein to this dish, such as cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas.
• Make it Vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other vegetarian-friendly ingredients, such as tofu or tempeh.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it Creamier: For a creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese, ricotta cheese, or heavy cream at the end of cooking.
• Leftovers: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a little water or broth to rehydrate the pasta when reheating.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of this one-pot pasta recipe is its versatility! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Use vegetable broth and consider adding artichoke hearts.
• Mexican Fiesta: Add black beans, corn, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for a Mexican-inspired pasta. Season with chili powder and cumin.
• Creamy Tomato: Use crushed tomatoes as part of the liquid base, along with the broth. Stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end for extra richness.
• Pesto Perfection: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto sauce after the pasta is cooked for a vibrant and flavorful dish.
• Spicy Sausage: Replace the ham with cooked Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) for a heartier and more flavorful meal.
• Chicken and Broccoli: Substitute the ham with cooked chicken breast and add more broccoli for a simple and classic combination.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan ham alternative, vegetable broth, and dairy-free cheese to make this recipe completely vegan.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pot ham and veggie pasta is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a simple side dish, such as:

• Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment to pasta dishes.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Steamed Vegetables: Extra steamed vegetables, such as green beans or asparagus.
• Crusty Bread: To soak up any remaining sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

  Yes, you can use any type of short pasta, such as rotini, penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti unless you break them into smaller pieces.

• Can I use frozen vegetables?

  Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this recipe. You don’t need to thaw them before adding them to the pot.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

  While it’s best served fresh, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

• How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

  Stir the pasta occasionally while it’s cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You can also add a little more broth or water if needed.

• Can I add cream cheese?

  Yes! Adding a couple tablespoons of cream cheese toward the end will make the sauce creamier.

Printable Recipe Card

Conclusion

This One-Pot Ham and Veggie Pasta is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. So gather your ingredients, grab your favorite pot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love!