Why You’ll Love this Creamy Ham & Cheese Tortellini
Comfort food at its finest! This creamy tortellini dish hits all the right notes—tender pasta pillows swimming in a luxurious cheese sauce with savory ham bits and sweet pops of peas.
I’m talking about a 30-minute dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.
What’s not to love about a one-skillet wonder that combines cheese-filled pasta with more cheese? The Swiss and Parmesan create this velvety blanket that coats every bite.
And those crispy ham edges? Game-changers. Trust me, this dish will become your go-to when you need a hug in food form.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Ham & Cheese Tortellini?
This creamy tortellini dish requires simple, readily available ingredients that come together to create absolute magic in your skillet. The combination of cheese-filled pasta with a homemade cream sauce creates that restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. And the best part? Nothing fancy required—just good, honest ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 pound deli ham, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds cheese tortellini
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters in a few key areas. Try to find refrigerated tortellini rather than dried for a more authentic texture. For the ham, a good quality deli ham works perfectly, but leftover holiday ham would be divine, too. And those cheeses? Worth buying a block and grating yourself for the smoothest sauce possible. Swiss brings that nutty depth while Parmesan adds that sharp, salty finish that makes this dish irresistible. Can’t find Swiss? Gruyère makes a wonderful substitute that melts just as beautifully.
How to Make this Creamy Ham & Cheese Tortellini
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward preparation that delivers gourmet results. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This creates the foundation for all those flavors to build upon.
Once the oil is shimmering (you’ll know it’s ready when it looks like the surface of a calm lake on a breezy day), add 1 minced shallot and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking them until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. There’s something magical about the aroma of shallots and garlic cooking together—it’s practically a dinner bell all on its own.
Next comes the star protein: add 1/2 pound of chopped deli ham to the skillet and cook until it develops a lovely crispy edge, which takes about 5 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally to guarantee even browning.
Season the mixture with 1 tablespoon of fresh ground black pepper, which adds a warm kick that balances the upcoming creamy elements. Now for the pasta—add 1 1/2 pounds of cheese tortellini directly to the skillet along with 2 cups of frozen peas, stirring until everything is coated in that flavorful oil.
Pour in 3/4 cup of low sodium chicken broth, creating a shallow bath for the tortellini to simmer in. Let this bubble away gently for about 6 minutes, or until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender but with a slight bite in the center.
The final step transforms this dish from good to absolutely crave-worthy. Add 1/3 cup of heavy cream along with 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously as the cheese melts, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to every curve of the tortellini.
For more complex recipes, a professional grade processor can help with quick prep work like grating cheese or mincing garlic and shallots.
The Swiss brings that nutty depth while the Parmesan adds a salty punch that ties everything together. Once everything is gloriously creamy and the tortellini are perfectly cooked, you’re ready to serve.
Finish with a generous sprinkle of 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley, which adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. The entire cooking process takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish—quicker than ordering takeout but infinitely more satisfying.
Creamy Ham & Cheese Tortellini Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this tortellini dish is absolutely divine, I’m a firm believer that recipes are meant to be personalized to your taste and what’s available in your pantry.
Don’t have Swiss? Gruyère or provolone work beautifully.
Vegetarian? Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms for that savory umami. Spinach can replace peas, and chicken or bacon can stand in for ham.
No tortellini? Try ravioli or regular pasta.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt thinned with milk.
Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
What to Serve with Creamy Ham & Cheese Tortellini
Finding perfect side dishes to accompany creamy ham & cheese tortellini can transform your meal from merely satisfying to absolutely memorable.
This rich, hearty pasta practically begs for something bright and fresh to balance the meal.
I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette—think arugula with lemon and olive oil.
Garlic bread makes a classic companion, perfect for sopping up that luscious sauce.
For vegetables, roasted asparagus or sautéed broccolini add that touch of green we all need.
Can’t decide? A simple antipasto platter works wonders too.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve paired our pasta with the perfect sides, let’s wrap up this culinary journey.
This creamy ham and cheese tortellini represents comfort food at its finest—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare. The combination of savory ham, cheesy tortellini, and that luxurious cream sauce creates a dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
What makes this recipe special? It’s the balance—crispy ham against tender pasta, the bright pop of peas cutting through creamy richness.
Can you imagine a more perfect weeknight dinner? Store any leftovers in an airtight container, though, between us, there rarely are any!
