Turn Leftover Ham into a Hearty Family Favorite.
Looking for a vibrant, satisfying dinner that comes together in a flash? Ham Alfredo is just the dish you need! This easy weeknight meal makes delicious use of leftover ham and gets dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. With colorful carrots and sugar snap peas, it’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to your taste buds. Plus, it’s totally adaptable—so you can use whatever veggies you have on hand!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenience : Using jarred Alfredo sauce takes the guesswork out and slashes your prep time.
- No Waste : It’s a perfect way to give that leftover ham a whole new life.
- Colorful Veggies : Carrots and sugar snap peas add a burst of freshness and make every plate pop.
- Perfect for Busy Nights : Everything comes together with minimal chopping and only one pot to clean up.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup carrots, cut into one-inch strips
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, halved
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (use your favorite—Bertolli is great!)
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp butter
- 12 oz spaghetti
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have sugar snap peas, try using frozen peas or broccoli florets. You can also substitute carrots with bell peppers for extra color and crunch. Feel free to use penne, fettuccine, or any pasta you have on hand instead of spaghetti!
For a lower-carb option, try using Carbe Diem spaghetti. It’s half the carbs of regular pasta, yet has the same taste and texture as the full-carb option!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- In a large fry pan over medium heat, add the butter and garlic. Let it cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the carrots and peas (or your veggie swaps) and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are bright and tender-crisp, 4–5 minutes.
- Add the ham and cook until heated through. Pour in the Alfredo sauce (here’s a tip: after emptying the jar, add a splash of cream or milk, put the lid back on, and shake to loosen every last bit—then pour that in too!). Stir everything together and cook until well blended and heated through.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until all the pasta is coated with sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Serving Suggestions
- For a complete meal, serve your Ham Alfredo with slices of warm Italian bread. It’s perfect for soaking up that extra creamy sauce and makes a cozy, fuss-free dinner the whole family will love.
- The next time you make a ham dinner, dice up the leftovers and put 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer bags to store for when you need a quick meal!
- No leftovers? Just buy a precooked ham when it’s on sale after a holiday, cut it up and freeze portions to use for other meals. It lasts for months and you can easily get 4 or 5 meals out of it!
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