My sister showed me this trick and now I make it every spring. Just 4 ingredients stuffed into little foil bundles that cook up incredibly tender. The

If you like, brush the tops of the warm foil packets with a little melted butter for a pretty shine before serving (this doesn’t count as an ingredient for the filling and is completely optional).

Serve each person a foil packet on a plate and let them open their own bundle at the table. Stir the contents gently with a fork to mix the sauce, ham, pasta, and cheese before eating.

Variations & Tips

If your family likes a bit of zip, use pepper jack or a sharp cheddar for part of the cheese to give the packets a gentle kick. You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk if that’s what you have in the pantry, though the sauce will be a little less rich. For a smokier flavor, use smoked ham or leftover holiday ham from Easter dinner—this is a wonderful way to stretch those odds and ends.

Different small pastas like rotini, cavatappi, or mini bow ties all work, but avoid very large shapes that might not soften evenly. If you’re cooking for two, simply make two larger packets and keep the same cooking time. To keep cleanup easy, you can nest each foil packet into a small, disposable foil loaf pan before placing in the slow cooker, then lift the whole thing out to serve. Leftovers reheat best if you open the packets, add a splash of milk or cream, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to loosen the sauce.