Ham and Cheese Pasta Casserole

Name: Ham and Cheese Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz whipped cream cheese; 16 oz farfalle (bow tie) pasta; 2.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 tsp seasoned salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cups chicken broth; 4 oz processed cheese block (like Velveeta), cubed; 2 cups cooked ham, diced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

This ham and cheese pasta casserole combines farfalle, two cheeses, diced ham, and chicken broth in a single baking dish for a creamy, comforting meal that uses up leftover ham efficiently.

🌍American 🏷️Casserole 🏷️Pasta bake 🏷️Ham and cheese 🏷️Leftover ham One-pan meal

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Total

45 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dinnerin321

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Ingredients

8 oz whipped cream cheese
16 oz farfalle (bow tie) pasta
2.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 tsp seasoned salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups chicken broth
4 oz processed cheese block (like Velveeta), cubed
2 cups cooked ham, diced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishoptional

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2
In a 13x9 inch baking dish, place the whipped cream cheese in the center.
3
Pour the uncooked pasta into the dish around the cream cheese. Top with about 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4
Season with seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5
Drizzle with olive oil and pour in the chicken broth.
6
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7
Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Add the cubed processed cheese, diced ham, heavy cream, and another cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
8
Stir everything together until well combined.
9
Cover the dish with foil again and return to the oven for 10 minutes.
10
Remove the dish from the oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
11
Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use a 9x13 baking dish to ensure even cooking and proper liquid distribution.
Cube the processed cheese small and stir it in after baking so it melts evenly without clumping.
Reserve 1.25 cups of the shredded cheddar to mix into the casserole and sprinkle 1.25 cups on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
Don't overcook the pasta before mixing—undercook it slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven with the broth.

Substitutions

Farfalle → penne or elbow pasta (same cooking time)
Sharp cheddar → gruyere or smoked gouda (adds depth)
Chicken broth → vegetable broth (same liquid amount)
Cooked ham → cooked bacon or rotisserie chicken (2 cups diced)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Equipment

9x13 baking dish

Common Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes if starting from cold.

What can I substitute for processed cheese?

Use an additional 4 oz sharp cheddar or Gouda. The processed cheese adds creaminess, so stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese or sour cream if swapping.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or elbow pasta work well. Avoid very thin pasta that may overcook in the broth.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

Bake until the pasta is tender, the liquid is mostly absorbed, and the top is lightly golden (usually 25-35 minutes at 350°F).

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 325°F until warmed through.