Ranch Ham 'N' Cheese Pasta Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this pasta casserole is a family favorite. Adapted from a Taste of Home recipe, it's a delicious and easy meal.
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this pasta casserole is a family favorite. Adapted from a Taste of Home recipe, it's a delicious and easy meal.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- 1 cup fat-free milk
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed saltines (about 15 crackers)
- 1 cup (8 ounces) reduced-fat sour cream
- 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked penne pasta
- 2 envelopes (1 ounce each) ranch salad dressing mix
- Carbohydrate 0.209866333052823 g
- Cholesterol 13.64125 mg
- Fat 5.15674716665256 g
- Fiber 0.0565333332186362 g
- Protein 0.828797499952606 g
- Saturated Fat 3.26462466666243 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (30g)
- Sodium 124.838866666476 mg
- Sugar 0.153332999834187 g
- Trans Fat 0.334025166666061 g
- Calories 50 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- In a Dutch oven, combine the next seven ingredients (garlic salt, parmesan cheese, butter, garlic pepper, lemon-pepper seasoning, ham, and milk).
- Cook and stir over medium heat until cheese is melted and the mixture begins to thicken.
- Reduce heat; fold in sour cream until blended.
- Add the ham, cracker crumbs, and pasta; cook and stir until heated through.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
My Comfort Food: Ranch Ham 'N' Cheese Pasta
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house running smoothly, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I cherish recipes that are both flavorful and easy to make. This Ranch Ham 'N' Cheese Pasta recipe is one of those gems – a quick, comforting dish that always hits the spot. I discovered it years ago in a magazine (I can't even remember which one anymore!), and it's become a family staple.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients – just simple, everyday staples transformed into something truly special. The creamy, cheesy sauce, the salty ham, and the perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors that my entire family adores. It's the kind of meal that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and togetherness. On busy weeknights, it's my go-to recipe, a reliable source of happiness in the midst of a chaotic schedule. It's also surprisingly versatile; sometimes, I add different vegetables or even leftover chicken to give it a new twist.
This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the memories it creates. I picture family dinners, laughter echoing around the table, and the satisfaction of sharing a meal lovingly prepared. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make everyone's day better. It's more than just pasta; it's a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a constant in my otherwise hectic life. It’s the kind of recipe that transcends simple ingredients and becomes a symbol of family, comfort, and love. It’s the recipe I turn to when I need a little bit of that home-cooked goodness, a little bit of that familiar comfort. And frankly, who doesn’t need a little bit more of that in their lives?
I've often thought about altering this recipe, experimenting with different types of cheese or adding spices. But honestly, I'm hesitant to change a good thing. This version is perfection. It's simple, it's delicious, and it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Every time I make it, it takes me back to those cozy evenings spent with my loved ones, and that's a feeling worth more than any gourmet meal.
The ease of preparation is just as important as the delicious taste. With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, even the most inexperienced cooks can create this masterpiece. It’s a true testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. This dish proves that sometimes, the simplest things are the best. So, next time you’re looking for a comforting meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen, look no further than this Ranch Ham 'N' Cheese Pasta recipe. It's a guaranteed winner!
More than just a meal, it's a memory maker, a comfort food classic. The simple pleasure of a well-made, family-friendly dish is something I never want to lose, and this recipe is a perfect embodiment of that. It’s easy to replicate, easy to love and easy to share – a gift from my kitchen to yours.
