This slow cooker 5-ingredient Amish cheddar ham pasta is the kind of practical, cozy supper that makes a busy day feel easier. It leans on simple pantry and refrigerator staples, letting ham, cheddar, and tender pasta come together into a rich, homey meal with the gentle, comforting flavors often associated with Amish-style family cooking. It is especially handy when you want something filling and crowd-pleasing without a lot of fuss at the stove.
Serve this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or buttery peas to balance the richness. Warm dinner rolls, sliced apples, or a simple fruit salad also make it feel like a full family meal, and if you are feeding a hungry crowd, a dish of roasted carrots on the side fits right in.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Cheddar Ham Pasta
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 cups cooked ham, cut into small cubes
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese slices
12 ounces uncooked medium pasta shells
2 cups whole milk
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
Directions
1. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert. Add the ham cubes in an even layer, then press the sharp cheddar slices over the top of the ham so they cover it as evenly as possible.
2. Sprinkle the uncooked pasta shells over the cheese and ham. In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk and condensed cheddar cheese soup until smooth, then pour it evenly into the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice if your slow cooker runs hot, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy. If it looks too thick near the end, stir in a splash more milk.
4. Stir well, let the pasta rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly, then spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If your family prefers a smoother texture, chop the ham a little smaller and stir everything very well before serving so each bite has a little of the creamy sauce. Mild cheddar can be used in place of sharp cheddar for a gentler flavor.
Pasta timing tip: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, so begin checking the pasta at the 2 1/2 hour mark. You want the shells tender but not mushy, especially since they will keep softening a little as the dish rests.
Make it heartier: Stir in a cup of thawed peas or a handful of sautéed onions during the last 20 minutes if you want to stretch the dish a little further while keeping the same comforting feel.
Leftover help: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk before warming so the sauce loosens back up and stays creamy.