Use leftover ham and mascarpone to make this Healthy Leftover Ham Pasta with Peas. It’s a quick, satisfying dish with a creamy tomato-mascarpone sauce that comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights and an excellent way to transform holiday ham into a new family favorite.
This recipe relies on pantry staples—canned tomatoes, canned mushrooms, dried herbs—plus frozen peas and any leftover ham you have on hand. It’s an economical, flexible way to use picnic ham or holiday leftovers from Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Serve it with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Looking for other ways to use leftover ham? Try these healthy leftover ham ideas for more inspiration.
🥘 Ingredient Notes
This recipe is designed to be practical and forgiving—use whatever ham and pantry items you have. It’s quick, simple, and tasty. Key ingredients include:
- Leftover ham—any variety will work, diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Pasta—fusilli or another spiral pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce.
- Canned diced tomatoes and canned mushrooms—convenient and economical.
- Mascarpone cheese—adds a silky, mild creaminess; a great way to use leftover mascarpone.
- Frozen green peas—add color, texture, and a pop of sweetness.
- Dried oregano and basil—easy shelf-stable herbs; double the amounts if using fresh.
*See recipe card below for the full ingredient list and quantities.
📖 Variations & Substitutions
- Creamy substitute: Cream cheese can replace mascarpone in a pinch, though mascarpone is smoother and less tangy.
- Pasta shape: Penne or rigatoni work well; long noodles like spaghetti are less suited to the chunky sauce.
- Ham types: Any leftover ham—spiral-cut, slow-cooker, or diced—can be used.
- Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano are great; use roughly double the fresh herb amount compared to dried.
- Fresh produce: If you prefer, substitute fresh mushrooms and tomatoes instead of canned.
🔪 How to Make Leftover Ham Pasta with Peas
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, sauté diced ham with chopped onion until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Add chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Whisk in the mascarpone until it melts into the sauce and becomes smooth.
- Step 5: Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, then stir in defrosted frozen peas and drained canned mushrooms. Simmer a few more minutes until heated through.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet (or combine everything in the serving bowl). Stir in dried basil and oregano, and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 7: Garnish with grated Parmesan and extra basil before serving.
Top Tip
Mascarpone often remains after making desserts like tiramisu or cheesecakes. This savory pasta is a practical way to use up leftover mascarpone alongside holiday ham. Mascarpone also freezes well—store it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook.
🥗 What to serve with Leftover Ham Pasta
Serve with garlic bread, crusty baguette, or simple roasted vegetables. For a lighter accompaniment, a crisp green salad or steamed greens pairs nicely. Roasted carrots or a bowl of soup also make good complements.
👪 Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 servings. You can easily halve or double the quantities depending on your needs.
❔ FAQs about Leftover Ham
Store ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
You can freeze ham for 1–2 months in an airtight container. Frozen and thawed ham can change texture and flavor, so it’s best used in cooked dishes like soups, casseroles, or this pasta.
While turkey may be my go-to for holidays, ham is a great change of pace and this pasta makes excellent use of holiday leftovers.
If you want more ideas beyond sandwiches and split pea soup, this creamy ham-and-pea pasta is a tasty starting point. For a comforting soup option, consider making a leftover ham and macaroni soup.
🍲 More Leftover Recipes
- Healthy Leftover Turkey Wraps
- Leftover Stuffing Crackers
- Turkey Tetrazzini (with cream of mushroom soup)
- Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake (uses leftover cranberry sauce)
If your family loved this recipe, please leave a comment or rating to support the creator. Share photos if you make it—food photos are always welcome!
📋 Healthy Leftover Creamy Ham Pasta with Peas Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 375 g box of pasta (spiral, rigatoni, fusilli, etc.)
- 2 cups leftover ham, chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 500 g bag frozen green peas (about 2 cups, defrosted)
- 1 284 ml can mushrooms, drained
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
Garnish:
- grated Parmesan
- basil for garnish
Instructions
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1. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
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2. In a large skillet, sauté ham and onion until the onion is soft.
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3. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and garlic. Stir to combine.
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4. Whisk in mascarpone until the sauce is smooth. Cook over medium-low for about 10 minutes.
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5. Stir in peas and mushrooms and cook a few more minutes until heated through.
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6. Add cooked pasta, basil, and oregano. Toss to combine, then garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
🌡️ Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thawed pasta may change texture slightly, so it’s best reheated gently.
Top Tip
If you often have leftover mascarpone from desserts, this savory pasta is a great way to use it. Mascarpone freezes well—store any extra in the freezer until you want to cook.