This Ham and Spinach Pasta Skillet is a delicious way to use up leftover ham. A quick dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights, anyone can make this easy meal!

Leftover Ham And Spinach Pasta

We all need easy dinners that we can make with simple ingredients and this Ham and Spinach Pasta Skillet is just what you’ve been looking for. Using packaged or leftover ham, frozen spinach, and box pasta, this is a delicious meal any time of year.

Whether you’ve just had Easter dinner, have a whole ham in your freezer, or got a great deal on a ham steak, a little ham can go a long way after you’ve cooked it. So instead of turning right to ham sandwiches the next day, try this family-friendly dinner. 

While this is a great way to use up extra ham, you can easily pick some up at the grocery store as well. Don’t wait on having leftover holiday ham if you have a hankering for this spinach and ham recipe. It’s a great last-minute dish!

Recipe Notes:

• Do not cook your pasta according to the package directions before starting this easy recipe. You’ll be cooking it on a different timeline. 
• If you don’t have parmesan cheese, you can use any Italian-blend cheese or cheddar cheese in a pinch. 
• You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach if you prefer. 
• Offer some red pepper flakes on the table to add an extra kick. 

How To Make Ham And Spinach Pasta Skillet

Ham And Spinach Pasta Skillet Ingredients:

1 box rotini pasta 8 oz
3/4 cup ham, diced
5 oz frozen spinach, thawed
1 can chicken broth 14 1/2 oz
1/2 cup water
1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Supplies Needed:

Large skillet with lid
Kitchen spoon or wooden spoon

Directions:

Step 1: In a large skillet, add the dry pasta, chicken broth, and water. Cover it with the lid and bring it to a boil.

Simmer on low to medium heat until the noodles are almost al dente and the pasta water with broth is mostly absorbed, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Squeeze the water out of the chopped spinach and add it to the nearly-cooked pasta.

Step 3: Add the diced ham and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Put the lid back onto the frying pan and cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the noodles are cooked and everything is heated through.

Step 5: Remove your pan from the heat and add the rest of the cheese plus some salt and black pepper.

Serve hot and enjoy with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread or a fresh green salad to round out your meal. 

How To Store Leftover Ham And Spinach Pasta Skillet

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta In This Recipe? 

Yes! One of my favorite things about this tasty dinner is that you can make substitutions from the original recipe so easily.

I like using rotini noodles because the shape is both fun to eat and holds the other ingredients well, but you can easily use penne pasta, a long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccini, or a short pasta like small shells. 

Can I Use Different Leftover Meat In This Cheese Pasta Recipe? 

Yes! Just like in any of your other favorite leftover ham recipes, you can easily replace the protein with something else next time. The best options will be poultry like leftover turkey or leftover chicken, but you could also use leftover roast beef, sliced Italian sausage, or cooked steak. 

Is There Anything Else I Can Add To This Recipe? 

This is a great recipe just the way it is, but we all know that we tinker with delicious dinners to make them the best way for our tastes. 

If you want to add anything, the easiest options would be some sliced cherry tomatoes, a quarter of a medium onion, or a handful of green onions. You could also add a minced garlic clove or a little Italian seasoning for some extra flavor. 

Are You Looking For More Easy Dinner Recipes? Here Are Some Of My Favorites:

• Easy Cheesy Penne Rigate Bake
• Chicken Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Casserole
• Easy Crispy Potato Tacos
• Grilled Mexican Pizza with Chorizo
• Easy Crockpot Mississippi Roast

Granitestone Nonstick 14” Frying Pan with Lid Ultra Durable Mineral and Diamond Triple Coated Surface, Family Sized Open Skillet, Oven and Dishwasher Safe, Large, BlackCuisinart 622-30G Nonstick-Hard-Anodized, 12-Inch, Skillet w/Glass CoverOXO Good Grips 8OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Spoon SetArmrouns Silicone Nonstick Spoons Set, 2PCS Silicone Spoons For Cooking Heat Resistant Cooking Spoons For Mixing, BPA Free Silicone Spoon (Casual Black)Yedio Porcelain Square Dinner Plates, 8.4 Inch Square Serving Plate for Steak, Pasta, Salad, Snacks, Dessert, Appetizer Plates-Set of 6, White

Yield: 4 servings

Ham and Spinach Pasta Skillet

Print

This Ham and Spinach Pasta Skillet is a delicious way to use up leftover ham. A quick dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights, anyone can make this easy meal!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 box rotini pasta 8 oz
• 3/4 cup ham, diced
• 5 oz frozen spinach, thawed
• 1 can chicken broth 14 1/2 oz
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, add the dry pasta, chicken broth, and water. Cover it with the lid and bring it to a boil.
2. Simmer until the noodles are almost al dente and the broth is mostly absorbed, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Squeeze the water out of the spinach and add it to the skillet.
4. Add the diced ham and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.
5. Put the lid back onto the frying pan and cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the noodles are cooked and everything is heated through.
6. Remove your pan from the heat and add the rest of the cheese plus some salt and pepper. Enjoy!

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 227Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 1113mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 19g

This calculation is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor or dietitian. This calculator is a guide, but makes no guarantee of being exact or fully accurate.