Ham and pasta bake is a classic dish that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by the whole family. This dish is made with simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store, and it is a great way to use up any leftover ham you might have. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with the savory ham and al dente pasta makes this dish an absolute delight. It is an easy dish to make and requires minimal effort, so you can spend more time enjoying it than preparing it.
Ingredients
This recipe requires the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 1 cup of diced ham
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, boil a pot of salted water and add the penne pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, and then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic and ham. Saute the mixture until the ham is lightly browned and the garlic is fragrant. Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Next, add the flour to the skillet and stir until it forms a paste. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly, and cook until the mixture thickens. Add the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper and stir until the cheese is melted. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly combined.
Once the pasta is combined with the sauce, pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. When the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ham and pasta bake take to make?
This dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake.
Can I use any type of pasta for this dish?
Yes, any type of short pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni will work for this dish.
Do I have to use frozen peas?
No, you can also use fresh or canned peas.
Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
Yes, you can add other ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
Can I use other types of cheese in this dish?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese such as mozzarella, Gruyere, or Swiss.
