This slow cooker Amish-style garlic ham pasta is the kind of practical, comforting supper that suits a busy day and still brings everybody to the table happy. It leans on the plain good sense of country cooking—ham, cream soup, pasta, a little seasoning, and time doing the hard work for you. Dishes like this have long been favorites across Midwestern kitchens, where a thrifty cut of ham and a dependable crock could turn a handful of pantry staples into a warm, filling meal.
Serve this creamy ham pasta with buttered green beans, sweet peas, or a simple cucumber salad for a little freshness beside all that richness. A pan of dinner rolls or thick slices of homemade bread go especially well for sopping up the savory sauce, and if you like, a bowl of stewed apples on the side gives it that old-fashioned supper table feeling.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Garlic Powder Ham Pasta
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 ham steak, about 1 1/2 pounds
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces uncooked egg noodles
Directions
1. Place the ham steak in the slow cooker and dust the garlic powder evenly over the top.
2. Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the ham, then pour in the chicken broth around the sides.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the ham is hot and tender enough to cut into bite-size pieces.
4. Remove the ham, cut it into bite-size pieces, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles, making sure they are mostly covered by the liquid.
5. Cover again and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir well before serving.
Variations & Tips
Peas and Ham Version: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a little sweetness and color. It makes the dish feel more complete all in one pot and is a fine way to stretch supper.
Soup Swap: If cream of mushroom is not your family's favorite, cream of chicken or cream of celery works just as nicely. Each one gives the pasta a slightly different character, but all keep that cozy, old-fashioned texture.
Noodle Tip: Keep an eye on the noodles near the end, since slow cookers can run differently. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash more broth; if it seems thin, let it cook uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Cheesy Finish: For a richer casserole-style bowl, stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar after the noodles are tender. The cheese melts right into the sauce and makes this especially welcome on a chilly evening.