Creamy Crockpot Smoked Ham and Broccoli White Cheddar Shells Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the base mixture before cooking. These spices complement the smokiness of the ham and the sharp notes of the white cheddar. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce added during the final folding phase can provide a subtle, welcome kick that balances the richness of the dairy.

If you find the sauce is too thick after the final cooking phase, stir in a tablespoon of warm chicken broth or milk until the desired consistency is achieved. Always add liquid sparingly, as the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly on the plate. Serving immediately ensures the best texture, as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce if allowed to sit for too long in the slow cooker.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Shells: Add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a diced jalapeño to the base ingredients. The spice complements the smoky ham and sharp cheddar, creating a bold, flavorful twist on the classic creamy pasta.
• Garden Vegetable Shells: Incorporate a cup of frozen peas or diced bell peppers along with the broccoli. These additions provide extra color and texture, making the dish feel even more complete and vibrant.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish cools to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the creamy cheese sauce may separate and the pasta texture will degrade significantly upon thawing and reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring constantly until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken significantly as it cools, which is normal for pasta dishes containing dairy and cheese.

When storing, try to keep the cracker topping separate if possible, as it will lose its crunch when stored in contact with the creamy pasta. Consume within three days for the best quality and flavor, as the texture of the pasta and the integrity of the sauce are best when fresh.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance by dicing the ham and shredding the cheese, storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator. You can also toast the cracker crumbs ahead of time.

However, it is not recommended to assemble the pasta and liquid in the slow cooker bowl ahead of time, as the pasta will absorb the liquid and become soggy before the cooking process even begins. Assemble everything just before you are ready to start the slow cooker.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy dish in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful coating of the mornay sauce on the shells. The wide surface area also helps keep the pasta from clumping together.

Provide a large serving spoon for guests to scoop the shells and broccoli, ensuring everyone gets a generous portion of the ham and the crunchy topping. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette is an excellent accompaniment to cut through the richness of the cheesy pasta.

For an elegant presentation, garnish the individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, which adds a pop of color against the creamy white sauce. Ensure the buttery toasted cracker crumbs are added at the very last second before serving to maintain their maximum crunch.

This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but serving it warm from the slow cooker will ensure that every guest enjoys the creamy, molten texture of the white cheddar sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Crockpot Smoked Ham and Broccoli White Cheddar Shells

Prep 10 minCook 1 h 50 minTotal 2 hServes 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz uncooked medium pasta shells
• 2 cups diced smoked honey ham
• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 cups bite-size broccoli florets
• 2 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp Vermont white cheddar
• 1/2 cup buttery toasted cracker crumbs

Instructions

1. Add the uncooked medium pasta shells, diced smoked honey ham, evaporated milk, chicken broth, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard into the slow cooker. Stir slightly to ensure the cream cheese is partially submerged. Cover with the lid.
2. Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 90 minutes. Once the time is up, carefully remove the lid and fold in the bite-size broccoli florets and the shredded extra-sharp Vermont white cheddar. Replace the lid.
3. Continue to cook for an additional 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese has completely melted into a velvety mornay sauce. Once finished, scoop the pasta into serving bowls and top with the buttery toasted cracker crumbs.

Contains: gluten, milk, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

54 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.