Ham and Cheese Butter Noodles
Ham and Cheese Butter Noodles (Easy Stovetop Dinner)
Serve this with warm rolls, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables for an easy comfort food dinner everyone will love.
These ham and cheese butter noodles are creamy, cheesy, rich, and packed with comforting flavor in every bite. Made with tender noodles, butter, garlic, chicken broth, chunks of ham, and melty white cheddar and Parmesan cheese, this easy stovetop recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
It’s the perfect recipe for using leftover ham after the holidays, but it’s also an easy weeknight dinner you can make anytime you want something cozy and filling without a lot of effort.
The buttery noodles soak up all the flavor from the broth, garlic, and cheese, creating a creamy pasta dish that tastes like pure comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great use for leftover ham
- Easy one-pan stovetop dinner
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Perfect quick dinner recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked ham, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cabot white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Butter Sauce
In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, melt butter.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and stir well.
3. Add the Ham
Add cubed ham to the skillet and simmer for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
Season with garlic salt and black pepper.
4. Add Cheese & Cream
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in heavy cream, white cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Combine with Noodles
Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the cheesy butter sauce.
Cook another 1–2 minutes until everything is hot and creamy.
6. Serve
Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Tips for Best Results
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Fresh cheese melts smoother and creates the creamiest sauce.
Don’t Boil After Adding Cheese
Keep heat low so the sauce stays smooth and creamy.
Great for Leftover Ham
Holiday ham works perfectly in this recipe.
Add Extra Broth if Needed
The noodles absorb sauce as they sit, so add a splash more broth if needed before serving.
Variations
Add Peas or Broccoli
A simple way to add vegetables.
Make It Smokier
Use smoked cheddar cheese.
Add Bacon
For extra savory flavor.
Spice It Up
Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Jennie’s Thoughts
I love recipes like this because they’re simple, comforting, and use ingredients most people already have at home. This is especially good after holidays when you have leftover ham sitting in the refrigerator and want something different besides sandwiches.
The butter, garlic, broth, and cheese make such a rich sauce for the noodles, and the ham adds so much flavor. It’s one of those cozy dinners that feels homemade and comforting without taking all evening to make.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Butter Noodles
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Roasted green beans
- Broccoli
- Dinner rolls
Storage
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk
- Not ideal for freezing due to cheese sauce texture
These ham and cheese butter noodles are creamy, cheesy, buttery, and full of comforting flavor. Easy to make on the stovetop and perfect for using leftover ham, this quick dinner recipe is a cozy family meal everyone will love.
