Craving a quick, comforting meal that’s easy on the wallet? Look no further! Our Instant Pot Noodles and Ham recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner solution. This dish combines the convenience of your Instant Pot with simple ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful pasta.
Enjoy the versatility of customizing this recipe to your taste. Add a burst of freshness with chopped herbs, or make it better for you with a handful of frozen peas. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Get ready to savor a delicious and satisfying meal in no time!
Besides the air fryer, the instant pot is one of our favorite kitchen appliances. It gets more use than our oven most of the time.
You can make so much in an instant pot, from desserts to pastas, to vegetables and other side dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – This Instant Pot Noodles and Ham is a dream come true for busy weeknights! It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, making it the perfect choice when you’re short on time.
- Flavorful and Comforting – The creamy sauce is rich and satisfying, while the tender ham and noodles provide a comforting base.
- Budget Friendly – It’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it a practical option without sacrificing flavor.
- Easily Customizable – Customize it with your favorite herbs and veggies for a meal that’s as delicious as it is versatile.
- Kid Friendly – Kids love this, it has subtle flavors, a creamy texture and salty ham. It also has a cute name. My kids used to call it Hay and Straw because we found a cookbook that called it that.
What Goes Well with Instant Pot Noodles and Ham?
Creamy Instant Pot Noodles and Ham is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
Bread and Rolls
- Garlic bread: A classic choice that complements the savory flavors of the pasta.
- Ciabatta: A rustic Italian bread that can be served with olive oil or balsamic vinegar.
- Dinner rolls: Soft and fluffy dinner rolls provide a comforting side.
Salads
- Spinach salad: A fresh and light side to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Caesar salad: A classic choice with a tangy dressing that complements the creamy sauce.
Vegetables
- Air Fryer Broccoli or Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Simple and better for you side dishes that add color to your plate.
- Grilled asparagus: A slightly sweet and tender vegetable that pairs well with creamy sauces.
These side dishes will help to round out your meal and create a satisfying dining experience.
Storing Leftover Cream Sauce Pasta
Proper storage is key to enjoying your leftover ham and noodles.
- Allow to Cool: Let the pasta cool completely before storing. This helps prevent bacterial growth.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. This prevents drying out and contamination.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips for reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent uneven heating.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and gently reheat over low heat, stirring constantly.
Important Note: While cream sauce pasta can be frozen, the texture might change after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your delicious pasta leftovers without compromising taste or safety.
Recipe for Instant Pot Noodles and Ham
Instant Pot Noodles and Ham
Ingredients
- 16 ounces linguine broken in half
- 4 tablespoons garlic minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup half and half or heavy cream
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups ham fully cooked, julienned or chopped
- 3 cups peas frozen or canned, if desired
Instructions
- Turn your instant pot to saute. Add the butter and the minced garlic. Cook stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the vegetable broth to the sautéed garlic. Add in the broken in half linguini. Stir the noodles into the liquid and press them down into the broth until completely submerged in the liquid.
- Place the instant pot lid on top and turn it to sealed. Using the manual setting turn it to high and cook for 9 minutes. When the timer goes off, do a quick release. As soon as you can release the lid, remove it.
- Stir in the peas (if desired) the ham, salt, half and half and parmesan cheese
- With the lid removed, continue to stir the creamy noodles for around 5 minutes, or until the liquid absorbs into the noodles. It will have extra liquid but just keep stirring until the noodles have absorbed most of the sauce. As it is served it will become super creamy.
- Finally, turn off the instant pot and serve. The sauce will thicken and become super creamy as it is served. Garnish with fresh herbs or more parmesan cheese, if desired.
