Quick Turkey Ham & Cheese Pasta
This quick and comforting Turkey Ham & Cheese Pasta is a high-protein dinner solution perfect for busy weeknights. By emulsifying starchy pasta water with freshly grated cheddar and parmesan, you create a velvety, restaurant-quality cheese sauce in under twenty minutes. This one-pot wonder uses savory turkey ham to provide a balanced flavor profile, making it a reliable, hearty meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing satisfaction for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
8 oz Pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 cup Turkey Ham, diced
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Salt and black pepper to taste
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat.
Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining the noodles.
Return the hot drained pasta to the pot and add the diced turkey ham.
Add the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese directly over the warm pasta.
Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to initiate the melting process.
Toss the mixture vigorously until the cheese forms a smooth, clinging sauce, adding more water if necessary.
Season with freshly cracked black pepper and salt to taste before serving.
Notes
Always grate your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags to avoid anti-caking agents, which can prevent the sauce from becoming smooth. The starchy pasta water is the secret ingredient for a glossy, emulsified sauce, so do not skip this step.
Find it online: https://albertrecipes.com/quick-ham-and-cheese-pasta/