Easy & Creamy One-Pan Ham and Cheese Tortellini: Your Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: this incredibly creamy ham and cheese tortellini! It’s an effortlessly delicious meal that comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Featuring tender cheese tortellini and savory diced ham enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, this recipe is a true game-changer for busy evenings. Best of all, it’s ready in about 20 minutes, offering a quick yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. It’s also an excellent way to transform leftover ham into something new and exciting!

Ham tortellini garnished with chopped parsley and parmesan on a white plate, with a fork in the background.

Beyond holiday feasts, finding creative ways to use up a whole glazed ham can sometimes be a challenge. That’s where this sensational ham and cheese tortellini comes in! It’s consistently one of the most requested leftover ham recipes in my household, rivaling even my husband’s beloved ham and bean soup. This dish truly stands out among cheese tortellini recipes for its irresistible combination of richness, creaminess, and abundant cheesiness. It’s not only incredibly flavorful but also incredibly fast, arriving on your table in mere minutes. Ideal for bustling weeknights, this creamy pasta creation is the perfect solution for utilizing that delicious, juicy ham in a way everyone will adore.

Why This Cheesy Ham Tortellini Will Become Your New Favorite

Effortless One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! This entire ham tortellini meal cooks in a single skillet, drastically cutting down on cleanup time. One-pan recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and this one is particularly quick, ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you have fresh or frozen tortellini on hand, this recipe adapts seamlessly, making it even more convenient.
Rich, Flavorful, and Customizable Creaminess: The exquisite flavors in this ham and cheese tortellini are a delightful balance of savory ham and a mild, creamy cheese sauce, making it incredibly appealing to all palates, including picky eaters. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability; you can easily adjust the seasonings and spice level to suit your family’s preferences, ensuring a meal that everyone will eagerly dig into.
The Best Way to Use Leftovers: If you often find yourself with leftover ham after holidays or special occasions, this easy tortellini recipe is your ultimate answer. It transforms humble leftovers into a gourmet-tasting meal without any fuss. In fact, it’s so good that you might find yourself buying diced ham from the store specifically to whip up this dish, even when there are no leftovers! It’s truly that irresistible.
Quick & Convenient: With only 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, this dish is faster than most takeout options. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need a hearty, homemade meal but are short on time.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: The mild, cheesy flavors and familiar ingredients make this a hit with children and adults alike. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to bring smiles around the dinner table.

There’s something uniquely comforting and convenient about tortellini recipes, isn’t there? I almost always keep a package of tortellini in my fridge or freezer precisely because it’s the foundation for such an easy and satisfying dinner. While this particular recipe calls for cheese-filled tortellini, feel free to experiment with meat-filled varieties, or even try a vibrant option like my tomato-basil tortellini for a different twist. If tortellini isn’t available, ravioli makes another excellent substitute, offering a similar delightful chewiness and hearty filling.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Ham Tortellini

For the exact measurements and full recipe details, please scroll to the bottom of the post for the COMPLETE PRINTABLE recipe card.

Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil forms the base for sautéing, adding a foundational layer of flavor to your dish.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a crucial aromatic depth and sweetness to the creamy sauce. For a serious time-saver, pre-diced frozen onions work perfectly here.
Ham: Diced leftover baked ham is truly ideal for this recipe, offering incredible flavor and tenderness. However, readily available store-bought diced ham is a fantastic convenient alternative that yields equally delicious results.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent aroma and savory kick, elevating the entire dish.
Tortellini: The star of the show! You can use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini, or any type of filled tortellini that your family enjoys. Spinach and ricotta, or even mushroom tortellini would be delicious variations. As mentioned, ravioli can also be used for a similar effect.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth or stock is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing the rich ham flavor to shine. Vegetable broth is also a suitable substitute if preferred.
Seasonings:
- Crushed Red Pepper: A teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes introduces a delightful, subtle kick that complements the savory ham and creamy sauce. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Remember that ham can be salty, so add salt gradually and taste as you go.
Cheese: I typically use shredded Monterey Jack cheese for its excellent melting properties and mild, creamy flavor that doesn’t overpower the ham. Any mild cheddar cheese would also work beautifully. For the best consistency and melt, always grate your cheese fresh from the block rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its signature luxurious, thick, and velvety texture. While whole milk can be used as a lighter alternative, be aware that the sauce may not achieve the same decadent thickness and creaminess.
Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami finish that truly completes the dish.

Crafting Your One-Pan Ham and Cheese Tortellini: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare to fall in love with this ham and cheese tortellini recipe, cooked entirely in one pan with fragrant garlic, a hint of red pepper flakes, rich cream, and perfectly melted cheese. This culinary creation is poised to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation! Below is a concise overview of the steps; for comprehensive details, please refer to the complete recipe card at the end of this post.

Seasonings added to sauteed ham and onions in a skillet.

A wooden spatula stirring together cheese tortellini, diced ham, and onions in a skillet.

Step 1: Sauté the Ham and Onions to Golden Perfection. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat with a swirl of olive oil. Add your diced ham and finely chopped onions to the hot pan. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and become translucent, and the ham has developed a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step is crucial for building deep flavor in the dish.
Step 2: Infuse with Fragrant Garlic. Once the ham and onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just about one minute, or until you can distinctly smell its aromatic fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter very quickly.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer for Flavorful Tortellini. Now, add the cheese tortellini directly into the skillet. Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring it barely covers the tortellini. Sprinkle in your crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Allow it to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini is perfectly cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Shredded cheese added to a skillet with ham tortellini.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese, Then Serve. Finally, stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese along with the heavy cream. Continue to stir gently for a few minutes until the cheese has completely melted into a smooth, luxurious sauce, coating every piece of tortellini and ham. Once the sauce is perfectly creamy and hot, serve your ham and cheese tortellini immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. Any delicious leftovers are fantastic for lunch the following day!

Close up of a serving spoon scooping ham tortellini from a large skillet.

Expert Tips and Delicious Variations for Your Tortellini

Here are some clever tips and exciting variations to make this ham and cheese tortellini recipe even more adaptable and incredibly easy to fit your lifestyle and taste buds:

Smart Time-Saver: Frozen Diced Onions. If chopping onions isn’t your favorite task, or if you’re simply short on time, consider keeping frozen diced onions in your freezer. They are a serious game-changer for recipes like this cheesy ham tortellini, allowing you to bypass the tears and prep time, and get straight to cooking.
Boost the Heat with Pepper Jack Cheese. While Monterey Jack keeps this recipe wonderfully mild and family-friendly, shredded Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent choice if you’re looking to add a lively kick and a bit of spicy zest to the creamy sauce. It melts beautifully and adds a fantastic depth of flavor.
Incorporate More Veggies for Added Nutrition. Easily sneak in more vegetables to make this a more wholesome meal. Quick-cooking fresh or frozen vegetables like green peas, finely diced carrots, broccoli florets, or fresh spinach leaves (which will wilt down quickly) can be added during the last few minutes of simmering the tortellini. They add color, texture, and essential nutrients.
Experiment with Seasonings. Don’t be afraid to customize the spice profile! If crushed red pepper flakes aren’t quite your preference, try swapping them out for another spice or a fragrant seasoning blend. For a milder, more aromatic flavor, Italian seasoning or a touch of sweet paprika would be delightful. For a unique, savory twist, a pinch of pork chop seasoning can also work wonders, bringing unexpected depth to the ham.
Explore Different Protein Options. While this is a “ham” tortellini recipe, the creamy base is incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt this dish with almost any leftover cooked meat you might have in the fridge. Diced or shredded chicken, crumbled chorizo sausage, or even leftover shredded pork are all delicious options that will transform this into a brand new meal. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add extra vegetables or even some cooked cannellini beans for protein.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Your Creamy Ham Tortellini

This easy and comforting pasta dinner, rich with ham and cheese, pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. The goal is to complement its creamy texture and savory flavors, whether you’re craving something hearty or something fresh and light:

Crusty Bread for Sopping: A side of warm, homemade garlic bread or fluffy dinner rolls is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy, cheesy sauce. For an extra touch of elegance, serve your bread with a flavorful bread dipping oil.
Lighten the Meal with a Fresh Salad: To create a more balanced and refreshing meal, pair your ham tortellini with a crisp salad. A classic Caesar salad with its zesty dressing and crunchy croutons, or a simple tossed salad with your favorite vinaigrette, would be excellent choices.
Unique Vegetable Salads: For a side that truly stands out, consider a crunchy broccoli salad. Its combination of crisp broccoli, savory bacon, sweet apples, and toasted almonds provides a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta and nicely complements the ham.
Simple Roasted or Air-Fried Vegetables: If you prefer a straightforward vegetable side, choose your favorite to roast or air-fry. Sweet and tender air fryer carrots or earthy roasted asparagus are both easy to prepare and add a fresh, nutritious element to the meal without overpowering the main dish.

Overhead view of ham tortellini garnished with chopped parsley and parmesan on a white plate, next to a fork.

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Ham Tortellini

One of the many benefits of this delicious ham and cheese tortellini is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying again later:

Fridge Storage: Leftover ham tortellini maintains its delicious flavor and texture beautifully for a few days. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating from the Fridge: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can easily reheat the tortellini on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. The cheese sauce may thicken in the fridge, so to restore its creamy consistency, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth while reheating and stir gently until it’s smooth and hot.
Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer preservation, you can freeze your leftovers. Place the cooled ham tortellini in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring it’s sealed tightly. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Defrosting and Reheating from Frozen: To reheat from frozen, it’s best to defrost the ham tortellini in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it using the same methods as refrigerated leftovers (stovetop or microwave), adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. It’s important to note that due to the dairy content in the creamy cheese sauce, you might observe a slight change in texture once the tortellini is thawed and reheated; it may be slightly less creamy, but still incredibly flavorful.

Explore More Delicious Ham-Inspired Recipes

If you love cooking with ham, especially when looking for creative ways to use up leftovers or simply enjoy its savory flavor, here are some other fantastic recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:

Creamy Spring Gnocchi
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Ham and Split Pea Soup
Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu

4.60 from 22 votes

Ham Tortellini

By

Erin Sellin

This ham tortellini is an easy one-pan dinner perfect for weeknights! Made with cheese tortellini, salty diced ham, and onions tossed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce.

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

15 minutes

Total:

20 minutes

Servings:
4

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Equipment

Pot and Pan Set

Ingredients

▢

2
teaspoons

olive oil
▢

1/2
cup

onion
,
finely chopped
▢

2
cups
diced ham,
approximately 1 pound
▢

2
cloves

garlic
,
minced
▢

1
pound
frozen cheese tortellini
▢

1
cup

low sodium chicken broth
▢

1
teaspoon

crushed red pepper
▢

1/2
teaspoon

salt
▢

1/2
teaspoon

black pepper
▢

1
cup
Monterey Jack cheese,
shredded
▢

1/3
cup

heavy cream

Optional Topping

▢

Fresh Parsley
▢

Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add ham and onions, saute for 5-6 minutes until onions are tender and the ham is lightly browned.

2 teaspoons olive oil,
1/2 cup onion,
2 cups diced ham
Stir in garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2 cloves garlic
Add tortellini, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until tortellini is cooked.

1 pound frozen cheese tortellini,
1 cup low sodium chicken broth,
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Stir in cheese and heavy cream until melted.

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese,
1/3 cup heavy cream
Serve immediately with toppings if desired

Fresh Parsley,
Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Notes

Adapted from Kevin & Amanda

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
4

Calories:
380

Keyword:
ham tortellini

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