I recently tried this recipe and it blew my mind. The creamy blend of ham and cheddar comes together perfectly in the Instant Pot, creating a decadence that makes every bite memorable. It quickly became my go-to dinner, balancing rich flavors with laid back cooking for a truly memorable meal.

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I love this Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta recipe cause its super creamy, cheesy, and downright delicious. The recipe starts with 12 oz of your favorite uncooked pasta like penne or shells and mixes in 2 cups diced cooked ham for that smoky flavor.

I add in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup milk that gives the dish a really rich texture. Then there’s 1 cup chicken broth which helps bring all the flavors together along with 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 garlic cloves minced to boost the taste even more.

Salt and black pepper round out the flavor profile. This dish is not only comforting but also packs protein and calcium from the cheese and ham, making it a fairly balanced meal.

Its one of the best Instant Pot Macaroni And Cheese recipes Ive ever tried, and it redefines what Instant Pot Pasta Recipe means to me.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because:
• It comes together super fast, which makes it perfect for those hectic weeknights when I just don’t have a lot of time.
• The mix of ham and cheddar creates a rich, creamy flavor that feels like a big, comforting hug in a bowl.
• I appreciate how simple the instructions are, so even when I’m tired, I know I can whip this up without stressing over every little step.
• It always manages to satisfy everyone at the table, making dinner time something I genuinely look forward to.

This ham and cheese Instant Pot pasta is just amazing. It’s really creamey and cheesy, and the ham adds this extra kick of savory flavor that makes it all worth it. I made it on a super busy night and, to be honest, it turned out even better than I expected. It’s one of those recipes that, despite being super simple, feels like a treat when you sit down to eat it with your family.

Ingredients

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Pasta gives energy with complex carbs and a bit of fibre to keep you going.
Ham supplies protein and essential nutrients while addin a smokey saltiness.
Cheddar cheese makes a creamy texture, adds rich taste and essential fats.
Heavy cream gives luxurious richness and thickens the sauce nicely.
Milk brings smooth, lighter creaminess and balances the dish’s richness.
Chicken broth adds depth and savory warmth enhancing overall taste.
Garlic contributes an aromatic edge with a subtle spicy kick that livens up the meal.
Butter melts into the creamy sauce addin a rich flavor and smooth texture.

Ingredient Quantities

12 oz of your favorite uncooked pasta (like penne or shells)

2 cups diced cooked ham

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

1 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the 2 tbsp unsalted butter. When it starts melting, toss in the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook them for about a minute until you can smell that garlic goodness.

2. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup milk then stir in a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let it come together for a minute.

3. Sprinkle the 12 oz of your favorite uncooked pasta evenly into the pot, ensuring all the pasta gets a little of that creamy liquid.

4. Evenly spread the 2 cups diced cooked ham on top of the pasta. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy. It will mix in as it cooks.

5. Carefully close the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. This works well with most pastas like penne or shells.

6. When the timer goes off, let the Instant Pot sit for 5 minutes for a natural pressure release, then carefully quick release any remaining steam.

7. Open the lid and give everything a good stir; if you see too much liquid, just set it back to sauté mode for a couple of minutes to let it thicken up.

8. Stir in the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.

9. Taste your dish and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. The flavors should be nicely balanced.

10. Serve your Ham and Cheese Instant Pot Pasta right away and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness with your family!

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot pressure cooker (for sautéing, pressure cooking, and holding heat)
2. Measuring cups (for liquids like broth, cream, and milk)
3. Measuring spoons (for butter and seasonings like salt and pepper)
4. Stirring spoon or spatula (to mix the ingredients evenly)
5. Knife and cutting board (to mince the garlic if it isn’t pre-minced)
6. Instant Pot lid (to seal during pressure cooking)
7. Serving utensils (like a ladle or serving spoon to dish out the pasta)

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape instead of penne or shells?

A: Sure, you can use any pasta you like. Just pick a type that holds the sauce well. If you use longer pasta, make sure to check that it's cooked evenly.

Q: Do I need to use pre-cooked ham?

A: Yes, its important to use cooked ham so you dont have to worry about cooking it further. Raw ham might affect the overall cooking time and texture.

Q: Is the heavy cream necessary?

A: The heavy cream gives a rich and creamy flavour to the dish, so i would recomend using it. If you want a lighter version, you can try substituting with half-and-half though it might not be as creamy.

Q: How do i avoid overcooking the pasta in the Instant Pot?

A: Make sure you follow the recommended timing and do not use the saute function for too long after pressing cook. Quick release the pressure as soon as its done to stop the cooking process.

Q: Can i add extra veggies to this dish?

A: Absolutely, you can add veggies like peas, spinach or even mushrooms. Just stir them in after you finished pressure cooking so they keep there nice texture.

Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the diced ham, you could use turkey or even smoked sausage if you’re lookin for a different flavor.
If you don’t have heavy cream, try mixing half and half with a bit of Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
You can swap out cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want a little spice.
If you’re short on chicken broth, vegetable broth works just fine and gives a lighter taste.
If milk is out of stock, almond milk or oat milk can be a good alternative in most recipes.

Pro Tips

1. When you’re cookin the garlic in the butter, be sure not to rush it; let it get just enough color so you can smell the aroma, but dont let it burn and turn bitter.
2. Even though layering the pasta and ham later works fine, try to mix it a bit before pressure cooking so every piece gets covered in all that creamy sauce.
3. After pressure cooking, if the sauce still seems a bit watery, switch back to sauté mode for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it thickens up without sticking.
4. Always give it a good taste once you mix in the melted cheese. Sometimes a little extra salt and pepper or even a dash of an herb can really kick the flavors up a notch.