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Leftover Ham and Cheese Penne

Recipe by Joanna CismaruAdded 2 April 2026.

5 minutes to prep, 25 to cook. Leftover Ham and Cheese Penne - incredibly creamy and cheesy penne loaded with ham and peas, perfect use of that leftover ham from your holiday dinner.

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Leftover Ham and Cheese Penne by Joanna Cismaru, a frame from the original video

Method

  1. Cook the penne al-dente according to package instructions.

  2. In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for about 5 minutes until the onion softens.

  3. Add the ham to the pot and cook for about 8 minutes until the ham starts to brown slightly.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The ham develops browned edges before broth and cream are added.

  4. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper. Add the cheeses and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring, until the cheese melts.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The cheeses melt into a smooth sauce around the ham.

  5. Add the pasta, peas, stir and cook for a couple more minutes.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The peas are heated through and the pasta is evenly coated.

  6. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Tips while you cook

Prep Pasta First
Cook the penne al‑dente before adding it to the sauce.
Sauté Onion Until Soft
Saute the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened before adding the ham.
Melt Cheese Before Pasta
Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar and cook until melted before mixing in the pasta and peas.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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Joanna Cismaru made this.

The recipe comes from Joanna Cismaru. ReelsMeals wrote it down from that page. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you Joanna Cismaru and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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