Instant Pot Noodles and Ham: Instant Pot Ham and Noodles Recipe

My Cozy Kitchen Helper

I love my Instant Pot. It feels like a friendly kitchen helper. On busy days, it makes dinner feel easy. I just add things and let it work its magic.

This recipe is one of my favorites. It turns simple noodles and ham into a creamy, dreamy meal. Doesn’t that sound good on a tired evening? What’s your favorite quick dinner to make?

A Story About Peas

Let me tell you about the peas. My grandson used to pick them out. He would line them up on the table. I told him each pea was a tiny green pillow.

He laughed and started eating them. Now he asks for extra. I still smile at that. This matters because food is about stories, not just ingredients. It connects us.

How to Make It

First, turn your pot to sauté. Add the butter and garlic. Cook it for just a minute or two. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s the best start.

Pour in the broth and add the broken noodles. Stir them down into the liquid. Seal the lid and cook on high for 9 minutes. After a quick release, stir in everything else. Keep stirring until it gets creamy.

Why This Recipe Works

The pot cooks the pasta right in the broth. This is the big trick. The noodles soak up all that flavor. It makes them taste so much better.

Fun fact: Breaking the noodles helps them fit and cook evenly. No fancy tools needed. Just use your hands. Do you prefer your noodles long or broken up?

The Secret is in the Stir

Here is the important part. After you add the cream and cheese, you must stir. Stir for about five minutes with the lid off. The sauce will look thin at first.

But keep stirring. The noodles will drink up the liquid. It becomes wonderfully creamy. This matters because patience makes the texture just right. It’s a little lesson in slowing down.

Make It Your Own

This dish is like a friendly blank page. You can add what you love. Try cooked broccoli instead of peas. Use leftover chicken instead of ham.

The goal is a warm, happy dinner. It fills your belly and your heart. What would you add to make it perfect for your family? I’d love to hear your ideas.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
linguine	16 ounces	broken in half
garlic, minced	4 tablespoons
vegetable broth	4 cups
salt	1 ½ teaspoon
half and half or heavy cream	¾ cup
parmesan cheese, grated	¾ cup
butter	3 tablespoons
ham, fully cooked	2 cups	julienned or chopped
peas, frozen or canned	3 cups	if desired

My Cozy Instant Pot Noodles & Ham

Hello, dear! Come sit at the table. Let’s make a cozy supper. This recipe reminds me of my grandson, Leo. He always asks for “the noodle pot.” It’s so simple and warm. Your kitchen will smell amazing. I still laugh at that. He once ate three bowls! Let’s begin.

• Step 1: Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for just a minute or two. Stir it the whole time. You just want it to smell wonderful. (My hard-learned tip: don’t walk away! Garlic burns so fast.)
• Step 2: Pour in your vegetable broth. Now, take your linguine. Break it in half right over the pot. Stir the noodles into the broth. Press them down so they’re covered. It’s okay if they stick up a bit. They will soften down.
• Step 3: Put the lid on and seal it. Cook on high pressure for 9 minutes. When the timer beeps, do a quick release. Be careful of the steam, sweetie. It’s very hot. The noodles are perfectly tender now. What’s your favorite pasta shape? Share below!
• Step 4: Take off the lid. Stir in the peas, ham, salt, cream, and parmesan. Doesn’t that look comforting? Now, just keep stirring for about 5 minutes. The sauce will soak into the noodles. It gets creamier as you stir. I love this part.
• Step 5: Turn off the pot. Your dinner is ready! The sauce will thicken up beautifully in the bowls. You can add more cheese on top. I sometimes add a sprinkle of black pepper. It’s so good.

Cook Time: About 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a friendly base. You can play with it! Here are my favorite twists. They make it feel new again.

• Spring Chicken: Swap the ham for shredded rotisserie chicken. Use fresh asparagus instead of peas.
• Cheesy Veggie: Leave out the ham. Add a cup of chopped broccoli with the peas. It’s so green and good.
• A Little Kick: Add a big pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. It gives a nice, warm tingle.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Just Right

This dish is a full meal. But I love a little something on the side. A simple green salad with a lemony dressing is perfect. Some crusty bread for dipping is great, too. For a garnish, fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color.

What to drink? A cold glass of apple cider is lovely. For the grown-ups, a crisp glass of Chardonnay pairs nicely. It cuts through the creaminess. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Noodles Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about leftovers. This dish keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just pop it in a sealed container. To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to a pot. Warm it gently on the stove, stirring often.

You can freeze it for a busy night, too. I pack single servings in little containers. The peas might get a bit soft, but the flavor stays wonderful. I once froze a big batch for my grandson’s visits. He loves having a “home meal” ready anytime.

Batch cooking this saves your future self. It means a good meal is always close by. That matters on tired days. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Sometimes the sauce looks too thin. Don’t worry! Just keep stirring with the lid off. The noodles will soak up that liquid. I remember when I first made this. I panicked and added more cheese too soon. Patience is your friend here.

If your pasta seems sticky, you might need more broth next time. Always press noodles down until they are covered. For a saltier bite, use low-sodium broth. Your ham and cheese already add salt. Getting this right builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors just perfect for your family.

Fun fact: Stirring for the full five minutes after cooking is the secret to creaminess. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Check the cook time on its box.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can prep the garlic and ham ahead. Then, cooking is super fast.

Q: What can I swap for ham? A: Try cooked chicken or turkey. Even canned tuna works in a pinch.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Do not double it in the pot. Make two separate batches for best results.

Q: Are the peas optional? A: They are! But they add a sweet pop and lovely color. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this recipe finds its way to your table. It is simple, comforting, and made for sharing. I love seeing your kitchen creations. It makes my day.

Please show me what you made. Share a photo of your finished dish. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @AnnasCozyKitchen. I cannot wait to see.

Happy cooking!
—Anna Whitmore.