Ham And Pea Pasta Recipe – Easy Ham And Pasta Casserole For The Family

Nothing beats dinner at home with the kids when you are serving this easy Ham and Pea Pasta Casserole. It’s a delightful and family-friendly recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

This Ham Pasta Bake, infused with creamy flavors and simple ingredients, is not just a quick meal solution but a nostalgic trip to the heartwarming comfort meals we all crave. Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and taste, making it a go-to choice for families seeking both nutrition and deliciousness.

For this recipe, we used Cavatappi pasta – but feel free to use your favorite. Any type of looped noodle will do. 

Ham And Pea Pasta Recipe 

This ham and pea pasta dish is so easy to make and filled with hearty flavors that your children will just love. I am always looking for quick meal solutions and this is a recipe that I like to keep in my back pocket.

All you need are a few ingredients – most of which I am sure you already have on hand. My daughter is a vegetarian. So, sometimes I skip the ham. That’s up to you! You can make it either way.

Ham and Pea Pasta Ingredients: 

• 8 ozs dry pasta
• 1-1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots (you can keep them frozen)
• 1-1/2 cups diced ham
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 can, 10.75 oz, cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup crisp rice cereal
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Ham And Peas Casserole Directions: 

Preheat oven to 375. Grease a casserole dish or 8×8 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.  Heat pasta according to package directions and drain. Mix vegetables, ham, milk, and soup. Add to pasta and mix well.

Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle cereal on top and drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and center is warm.  Serves 4

Ham Pasta Bake Recipe Substitutions And Variations

For the Ham and Pea Pasta recipe, consider these variations and substitutions:

1. Ham Alternatives: Replace ham with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein for vegetarian options.
2. Pasta Varieties: Experiment with different pasta types like penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
3. Cheese Options: Swap the suggested cheese with alternatives like mozzarella, cheddar, or a vegan cheese.
4. Vegetable Variations: Besides peas, you can add carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
5. Cream Sauce Adjustments: Use dairy-free cream or a light cream alternative for a healthier version.
6. Cereal Alternative: If you don’t have cereal you could always use French’s Crispy Fried Onions. But that will give the recipe a slightly different taste.

These suggestions offer flexibility to tailor the recipe according to personal preferences or dietary requirements.

Easy Pasta Casserole FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, like fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
2. What’s a vegetarian alternative to ham? You can use plant-based ham substitutes, mushrooms, or tofu.
3. How to make this gluten-free? Opt for gluten-free pasta which is readily available in stores.
4. Can I use frozen peas? Absolutely, frozen peas are a great alternative.
5. What cheese substitutes can I use? Mozzarella, cheddar, or vegan cheese are all good options.
6. Is this dish suitable for meal prep or freezing? Yes, it’s great for meal prep and can be frozen for later use.
7. How can I make it healthier? Use whole grain pasta, low-fat cheese, and add extra veggies.

Ham And Pea Pasta Recipe

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Ingredients

• * 8 ozs dry pasta
• * 1-1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots (you can keep them frozen)
• * 1-1/2 cups diced ham
• * 3/4 cup milk
• * 1 can, 10.75 oz, cream of chicken soup
• * 1 cup crisp rice cereal
• * 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Grease a casserole dish or 8x8 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. 
3. Heat pasta according to package directions and drain.
4. Mix vegetables, ham, milk, and soup.
5. Add to pasta and mix well. Pour into prepared pan.
6. Sprinkle cereal on top and drizzle with melted butter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and center is warm. 

Serves 4

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram (@VeraSweeney) so I can see your wonderful creation! I would love to see your dish.

Looking for more great recipes? Why not add my Honey Apple Pecan Crostini Recipe – The Perfect Appetizer – to this meal? Or check out this boiled artichoke recipe.