Baked Ham Penne Pasta Casserole (Easy Leftover Ham Recipe) - Miss in the Kitchen (2024)

Baked Ham Penne Pasta is a family favorite for any night of the week. Penne pasta, savory ham in a rich and creamy garlic cheese sauce is a hearty and delicious meal perfect for leftover ham!

This pasta casserole is one of those dishes that is gone in a flash when dinner time rolls around. It is the kind of dish that you will make again and again.

Why You Will Love this Ham Pasta Casserole

• Leftover Ham Recipe: This is one of our favorite ways to enjoy leftover ham. It is a filling recipe that uses just a bit of leftover holiday ham.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The savory ham pairs perfectly with the creamy garlic sauce and pasta.
• Easy Weeknight Dinner: This dinner comes together in less than an hour and is sure to be a meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Penne Pasta Casserole

• Penne Pasta – Mostaccoli, Gemelli or Fettuccine will work too.
• Ham
• Butter – I use salted butter, unsalted works well too.
• Fresh Garlic
• Fresh Rosemary – dried rosemary can be substituted
• Onion
• All Purpose Flour
• Whole Milk or Heavy Cream
• Swiss Cheese or Gruyere Cheese
• Sour Cream

Step-by-Step Directions for Pasta Casserole with Ham

1. Cook pasta about half way in salted boiling water. Drain well.

2. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Melt butter in a large, oven-safe pan. Cook minced garlic, and chopped onion flour over medium-high heat. Stir often, cooking until onions start to caramelize.
3. Add flour, cooking about 2 minutes.
4. Whisk in the milk, cooking until slightly thickened, 1 – 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Whisk in chopped rosemary, half of the shredded cheese and sour cream.

6. Add the cooked pasta, diced ham (reserve 1/4 cup for the top if desired) to the sauce.
7. Stir until well combined.
8. Top with remaining cheese and ham.

6. Bake for 30 minutes or until pasta is bubbly and the top is starting to brown.
7. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.

Recipe Notes for Baked Ham Penne Pasta

• Make Ahead: The casserole can be made ahead by covering and refrigerating before baking.
• Baking Dish: The cheesy ham pasta bake can be placed in a 2.5 quart baking dish or 9 x 13 baking dish before placing in the oven.
• Storing Leftovers: Place leftover pasta bake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Place in a pan with 1- 2 tablespoons of milk and cook over medium heat, stirring often until heated through.
• Variations: This is a great alternative to ham and potato casserole. Switch up the pasta for what you have on hand or use your favorite. This will also work with just about any cheese, cheddar or gouda would be great options.

Best Sides for Pasta Casseroles

• Add a green salad and some garlic bread and you have a complete dinner that is easy to get on the dinner table.
• Broccoli with Toasted Walnuts or Mexican Corn are easy vegetable sides that pair well with creamy pasta.

More Recipe Ideas with Leftover Ham

• I love to cook a ham over the weekend and then have it for breakfast sandwiches, wraps or salads through the week.
• My One Pan Cheesy Ham Pastais also a great dinner option for leftover ham. It’s quick, easy and delicious!
• is a great dish for any meal of the day. My family loves it for brunch or dinner. Great flavor combination.
• Baked Denver Omelet is another one to serve for any meal of the day. The classic flavors of ham, cheese, peppers and onions. It’s so simple to make and is always a family favorite.

Get a delicious dinner on the table that will satisfy even the picky eaters with this Baked Ham Penne Pasta Recipe. It is loaded with delicious flavors and it’s so easy to make.

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