Dinner

Ham & Cheddar Instant Pot Pasta Recipe

Bynova cole January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Introduction

This Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta is a quick and creamy comfort meal that combines tender rotini, savory ham, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in minutes with minimal cleanup.

A white bowl filled with short spiraled pasta coated in a creamy, light yellow sauce mixed evenly with small, pale pink cubes of ham, topped lightly with small green herb bits. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, showing a top-down view of the dish with the pasta and ham pieces layered thickly and filling the bowl to the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 16-ounce box rotini
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon hot sauce*
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1 pound diced ham
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk

Instructions

Step 1: Add the uncooked rotini, chicken broth, water, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ground mustard to the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Place the lid on the pot and set the valve to sealing.
Step 3: Cook on manual, high pressure, for 5 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release.
Step 4: Carefully open the pot and stir in the diced ham, cream cheese, and sour cream until combined.
Step 5: Stir in the milk, then add the shredded cheddar cheese in three handfuls, stirring after each addition until smooth and creamy.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover cooked ham or smoked sausage as a substitute for diced ham for extra flavor.
Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different taste and texture.
Adjust the hot sauce amount to control the spice level or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or a lower-fat milk option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy rotini pasta mixed with small cubes of pink ham. The pasta is coated in a light yellow sauce and sprinkled with small green herb pieces, creating a slightly textured and colorful look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts softly with the pasta’s warm tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or elbow macaroni work well. Just keep the cooking time the same, but make sure the pasta is submerged in liquid before pressure cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

While this recipe is designed for the Instant Pot’s quick pressure cooking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by pre-cooking the pasta separately and combining all ingredients to heat and melt the cheese. However, timing and liquid amounts will differ.