- Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
- Cheese Grater (if shredding your own cheese)
- Casserole Dish (optional, for oven browning)
If you have leftover ham sitting in the refrigerator and you are wondering what to do with it, this Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake is about to become your new favorite answer. It is easy, it is cheesy, and the whole family is going to love it.
This recipe uses orzo pasta, which gives you the perfect bite every single time. The small, rice-shaped pasta cooks right in the pot with diced ham, frozen peas and carrots, and a simple seasoning blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once the bake function does its work, you stir in cream and a three-cheese blend of sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack. Top it with more cheese, brown it in the oven or air fryer, and you have a cheesy pasta bake that looks and tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did.
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You can make this in the Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro, on the stovetop in a large pot, or in any appliance with a sauté function. It is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday dinner, a spiral sliced ham, or even a ham steak from the grocery store. However you make it, dinner is on the table in under 45 minutes.
Suggested Kitchen Tools for Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
- Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro or large pot
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
- Shallow casserole dish (optional, for oven browning)
Ingredients & Substitutions
This ham pasta bake uses simple ingredients and comes together with very little prep. Here is everything you need and what you can swap if needed.
Butter
Used in Recipe: Salted butter is melted in the pot before adding the orzo and ham.
What it Does: The butter coats the orzo as it toasts and adds richness to the overall dish. It also prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot during the initial sauté step.
Substitutions: Unsalted butter works perfectly with no adjustments needed since the ham itself is already quite salty. You could also use a neutral cooking oil like avocado oil if you prefer, though you will lose a little of that buttery flavor.
Orzo Pasta
Used in Recipe: Orzo is the base of this pasta bake and cooks right in the pot with the ham and broth.
What it Does: Orzo gives this dish its signature texture. The small, rice-shaped pasta is just a little bit bigger than rice with a nice chew, and it works beautifully with the diced ham and peas and carrots because all of the ingredients end up about the same size. That uniformity is what makes every bite so satisfying.
Substitutions: Rice is the closest substitute and works well here. Other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells could also work, though the cooking time may need slight adjustments. Orzo was the clear winner after testing multiple pasta shapes because of how well everything works together.
Leftover Ham
Used in Recipe: About one pound of leftover ham, diced into half-inch pieces, which comes out to a heaping two cups.
What it Does: The ham is the star of this dish. It brings a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce and sweet peas and carrots. Dicing it into small, uniform pieces ensures you get ham in every single bite.
Substitutions: Any type of leftover ham works here, including spiral sliced ham (especially those end pieces), bone-in ham scraps, or even a ham steak from the deli counter. Chopped ham or deli ham can also be used in a pinch. The important thing is the half-inch dice so the pieces match the size of the orzo and vegetables.
Seasoning Blend
Used in Recipe: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, fine grind sea salt, and black pepper is stirred in with the ham and orzo.
What it Does: This seasoning blend keeps things simple and adds just the right amount of savory flavor without overcomplicating the dish. The garlic and onion powders give you that aromatic base, the salt brings everything together, and the pepper adds a little warmth.
Substitutions: Fresh diced onion and minced garlic can be used instead of the powders for a more pronounced flavor. Sauté them in the butter before adding the orzo. You can also add dried thyme, basil, or any other herbs you enjoy. Kosher salt works in place of fine grind sea salt. If you find the dish too peppery, start with a quarter teaspoon of black pepper and adjust to taste.
Chicken Broth
Used in Recipe: Chicken broth is the cooking liquid that the orzo absorbs during the bake step.
What it Does: The broth provides the liquid the orzo needs to cook through and also adds a layer of savory flavor to the entire dish. As the liquid evaporates during the uncovered bake, the flavors concentrate and the pasta sets up into a bake rather than a soup.
Substitutions: Chicken stock, bone broth, or vegetable broth all work well. If you only have bouillon cubes or paste, dissolve them in hot water to make the equivalent amount.
Frozen Peas and Carrots
Used in Recipe: Twelve ounces (about two cups) of frozen peas and carrots go into the pot with the broth.
What it Does: The peas and carrots add color, a touch of natural sweetness, and a nice contrast to the salty ham and rich cheese. They cook perfectly during the bake step and are about the same size as the orzo, which keeps every bite balanced.
Substitutions: You can use any frozen vegetable blend you prefer, though peas and carrots (or just peas alone) gave the best results in testing. Mixed vegetables with corn and green beans are fine but may change the overall flavor slightly. Fresh vegetables can also be used if you dice them small enough to cook through in the same time frame.
Heavy Whipping Cream
Used in Recipe: A quarter cup of heavy whipping cream is stirred in after the bake step, right before adding the cheese.
What it Does: The cream adds a luxurious, velvety richness to the dish and helps cool the pot down slightly so the orzo stops cooking. It also creates a creamier base for the cheese to melt into smoothly.
Substitutions: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce will not be quite as rich. Evaporated milk is another option that gives a similar creamy result.
Cheese Blend
Used in Recipe: Eight ounces (two cups) total of shredded cheese, divided: three ounces sharp white cheddar, three ounces Gruyère, and two ounces Monterey Jack. Half is stirred into the pasta and half is reserved for the cheesy topping.
What it Does: This three-cheese blend was tested specifically for this recipe. The sharp white cheddar brings a bold, tangy flavor. The Gruyère adds a slightly nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the ham. And the Monterey Jack is an excellent melting cheese that makes the sauce smooth and stretchy. Together they create a cheese sauce that is flavorful without being overpowering.
Substitutions: You can use any cheese blend you enjoy as long as you keep the total at eight ounces (two cups shredded). Sharp cheddar cheese on its own works well if you want to keep it simple. Colby Jack, Gouda, or fontina are all great melting cheeses that would work in this recipe. For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly the cheese melts.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
This cheesy pasta bake comes together in about 45 minutes total with only about 10 minutes of hands-on prep. The Possible Cooker Pro does most of the work for you. Here is everything you need to know!
Mise En Place
- Dice the leftover ham into half-inch pieces. You need about 1 pound, which is a heaping 2 cups.
- Mix the seasoning blend: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Measure out 1 cup of orzo pasta.
- Measure out 2½ cups of chicken broth.
- Shred 8 ounces (2 cups) of cheese and divide into two equal portions: 1 cup for stirring in and 1 cup for topping.
- If you plan to brown the cheese in the oven, preheat your oven to 450°F/230°C now so it is ready when you need it.
Toast the Orzo and Sauté the Ham
Set the Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro to Sear/Sauté on High and let it preheat. You will see dashes scrolling across the display during preheat. Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter and let it get about halfway melted. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and stir it around in the butter to toast for about 2 minutes. Then add the diced ham and the seasoning blend. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Quick Tip
Toasting the orzo in butter before adding any liquid gives it a slightly nutty flavor and helps the pasta hold its shape during cooking. Do not skip this step. Just a couple of minutes of stirring the dry pasta in the melted butter makes a noticeable difference in the finished dish.
Add the Liquid and Vegetables
Pour in 2½ cups of chicken broth and add 12 ounces (2 cups) of frozen peas and carrots. Stir everything together, breaking up any large frozen blocks of vegetables or pushing them under the liquid so they cook evenly.
Place the lid on the pot and let it cook for about 5 minutes on Sear/Sauté. You are looking for the liquid to just start coming to a gentle boil, which should happen at about the 7-minute mark from when the preheat finished.
Switch to Bake
Once the liquid starts to come to a boil, turn the Possible Cooker Pro off, then immediately turn it back on and switch to the Bake function at 350°F/175°C for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens, but there is one very important step: remove the lid. The lid must stay off for the entire 15-minute bake. The liquid needs to evaporate as the orzo cooks so the dish sets up into a proper bake rather than a soupy pasta. You can give it a stir if you want, but it is not necessary. The orzo will not stick during this step as long as there is enough liquid in the pot.
Quick Tip
Do not let the bake function run longer than 15 minutes without checking. If too much liquid evaporates, the orzo will stick to the bottom of the pot and start to burn. The 15-minute window is the sweet spot for getting the liquid to absorb properly while keeping everything moist.
Add the Cream and Cheese
When the 15 minutes are up, the pot will automatically switch to Keep Warm. Give everything a stir, then pour in ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine. The cream cools the pot down slightly, which helps stop the orzo and vegetables from continuing to cook.
Next, stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese blend (half of the total cheese). Place the lid back on and let the cheese melt into the mixture for about 2 minutes on Keep Warm. When you lift the lid, you should have a beautifully creamy, cheesy pasta.
Top with Cheese and Brown
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake. Now you have a few options for getting that gorgeous golden brown cheese topping. The best results come from transferring the mixture to a shallow casserole dish and placing it under the oven broiler or into an air fryer at 425°F/220°C until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You can also leave the pasta bake in the Possible Cooker Pro pot and place the entire pot in a preheated 425°F/220°C oven on the highest rack that will fit, but keep in mind that the depth of the pot means the cheese may take longer to brown and may not get as evenly golden.
Quick Tip
For the best golden brown cheese topping, use a shallow casserole dish and your air fryer. The concentrated heat of the air fryer browns the cheese quickly and evenly without drying out the pasta underneath. If you are using the oven, preheat it when you start the 15-minute bake step so it is ready to go.
Rest and Serve
Let the pasta bake rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time is what allows the dish to set up so you can cut it into clean, neat squares. If you serve it right away it will still taste amazing, but it will be more of a scoop-into-a-bowl situation rather than holding together in firm pieces. Either way, it is absolutely delicious.
Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
- Cheese Grater (if shredding your own cheese)
- Casserole Dish (optional, for oven browning)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon salted butter unsalted butter works too with no adjustments needed
- 1 cup orzo pasta rice can be substituted
- 1 lb leftover ham, diced into ½-inch pieces heaping 2 cups; any type of leftover ham works, including spiral sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt kosher salt can be substituted
- ½ teaspoon black pepper increase to 1 teaspoon if you prefer more pepper
- 2½ cups chicken broth chicken stock or bone broth can be substituted
- 12 oz frozen peas and carrots about 2 cups; other frozen vegetable blends can be used
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted
- 3 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded about ¾ cup shredded
- 3 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded about ¾ cup shredded
- 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded about ½ cup shredded; great melting cheese
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Instructions
- Dice the leftover ham into ½-inch pieces. You need about 1 pound, which is a heaping 2 cups. Mix the seasoning blend together: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Set aside. Grate the cheese, you should have about 2cups.3 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded, 3 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded, 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Set the Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro to Sear/Sauté on High and let it preheat. Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter and let it get about halfway melted.2 tablespoon salted butter
- Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the melted butter. Stir to coat the orzo in the butter and toast for about 2 minutes.1 cup orzo pasta
- Add the diced ham and the seasoning blend to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.1 lb leftover ham, diced into ½-inch pieces, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt
- Pour in 2½ cups of chicken broth and add 12 ounces (2 cups) of frozen peas and carrots. Stir everything together, breaking up any large frozen blocks of vegetables. Place the lid on the pot and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid just starts to come to a gentle boil (approximately 7 minutes total from when the preheat finished).2½ cups chicken broth, 12 oz frozen peas and carrots
- Turn the Possible Cooker Pro off, then immediately turn it back on and switch to the Bake function at 350℉/175℃ for 15 minutes. Remove the lid. The lid must stay off the entire bake time so the liquid can evaporate properly.
- When the 15 minutes are up, the pot will switch to Keep Warm. Give everything a stir. Pour in ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream and stir to combine. This will also help cool the pot down slightly so the orzo and vegetables stop cooking.¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese blend (half of the total cheese). Place the lid back on and let the cheese melt into the mixture for about 2 minutes on Keep Warm.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. To brown the cheese, transfer the mixture to a shallow casserole dish and place under the oven broiler or in an air fryer at 425℉/220℃ until the cheese is golden brown. Alternatively, leave it in the Possible Cooker Pro pot and place the pot in a preheated 425℉/220℃ oven on the highest rack that will fit.
- Let the pasta bake sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows it to set up so you can cut it into clean squares. Serve warm.
Notes
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb some moisture as it sits.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then store in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating on the stovetop or in the oven to restore the creamy texture. Reheat in the oven or air fryer if you want to re-crisp the cheese topping. NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER Nutritional information provided is an estimate based on typical ingredient values and standard portion sizes. Actual nutritional content may vary significantly depending on specific brands used, ingredient substitutions, preparation methods, portion sizes, and individual cooking techniques. For precise nutritional information tailored to your specific ingredients and preparation, please consult with a registered dietitian or use laboratory analysis. This information should not be used for medical nutrition therapy or to manage medical conditions without professional guidance.
Nutrition
Alternate Cooking Instructions
- Stovetop in a large pot: Melt the butter over medium heat. Toast the orzo, add the ham and seasonings, then pour in the broth and vegetables. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the lid and let it continue cooking uncovered on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender. Stir in the cream and cheese, then transfer to a casserole dish to brown the topping under the broiler or in the air fryer.
- Any pressure cooker or appliance with a sauté function: Use the Sauté setting on your Ninja Foodi or any other electric pressure cooker exactly as you would the Possible Cooker Pro. If your appliance has a bake function, use it at 350°F/175°C for 15 minutes with the lid off. If it does not have a bake function, keep it on the sauté setting at a lower heat with the lid off and monitor the liquid level.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftover Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
This pasta bake stores well and reheats beautifully. Here is how to keep it fresh.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. The orzo will absorb some moisture as it sits, so the texture may be slightly firmer when reheated.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then store in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
- Stovetop: Place a portion in a saucepan over medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. Stir gently until heated through.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add a small splash of broth or cream, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Oven or Air Fryer: Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish and reheat at 350°F/175°C for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. This is the best option if you want to re-crisp the cheese topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but orzo gave the best results in testing. The small, rice-shaped pasta matches the size of the diced ham, peas, and carrots so every bite has a balanced mix of everything. Other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells will work, but larger shapes threw off the texture and overall eating experience. Rice is another excellent substitute that works beautifully with this recipe.
Leaving the lid off allows the liquid to evaporate as the orzo cooks. This is what transforms the dish from a soupy pasta into a proper bake that holds together when you cut it. If you leave the lid on, too much liquid stays in the pot and the texture will not be right.
Absolutely! Dice a small onion and mince a couple of cloves of garlic. Sauté them in the butter before adding the orzo. The powders were chosen because this recipe was designed to be quick and easy with minimal prep, but fresh aromatics will give you a slightly different and equally delicious flavor.
About 15 minutes is ideal. This gives the cheese and orzo time to firm up so the bake holds together in neat squares. If you serve it right away, it will be a bit looser but still taste fantastic. Just scoop it into a bowl instead of cutting it into pieces.
Not at all. The blend of sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack was tested and loved for this recipe, but you can use any cheese or combination of cheeses you enjoy. Just keep the total amount at 8 ounces (2 cups shredded) and make sure at least one of your cheeses is a good melter like Monterey Jack, fontina, or Colby Jack so the sauce stays smooth.
Variations
- Use a different cheese: Swap the three-cheese blend for all sharp cheddar cheese, a Colby Jack blend, or even pepper Jack if you want a little heat. Keep the total amount at 8 ounces (2 cups shredded) and the method stays exactly the same.
- Try different vegetables: Use frozen broccoli florets, corn, or edamame instead of peas and carrots. Just keep the total at about 2 cups of frozen vegetables and they will cook in the same amount of time.
- Add fresh herbs: Stir in dried thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning along with the garlic and onion powders. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also make a great garnish right before serving.
- Make it with rice: Substitute an equal amount of long grain white rice for the orzo. The method and cooking time stay the same. Rice gives a slightly different texture but is equally delicious with the ham and cheese.
- Add a breadcrumb topping: For extra crunch, mix a handful of breadcrumbs or crushed cheese crackers with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before browning in the oven or air fryer.
Leftover Ham Recipes You Will Love
If you love this Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake, you are going to want to try these other delicious leftover ham recipes. Each one turns that extra ham into something the whole family will enjoy.
About the Recipe Author, Louise Long
Louise is a full-time recipe creator and food blogger @ The Salted Pepper. She has over 30 years of experience with cooking and recipe development. She owned a restaurant for several years and was a full-time RN until retiring to blog full-time.
She published her first cookbook in the Fall of 2018 and is very interested in writing several more.
Louise is also the creator of an online Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooking Course with over 100 instructional step-by-step videos. People absolutely rave about the course and all the value they have received from it.
Louise has several very active Facebook groups that help people with the basics of cooking and learning more about the appliances they love.
Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Crisper 101
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker
Louise is also a YouTube creator and you can find most of her recipes in video format on The Salted Pepper YouTube channel.
She is very responsive to messages and eager to help in any way she can. Get more Information about Louise & contact information
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