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Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
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Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Indulgent ham and cheese pasta bake - the ultimate comforting weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces fusilli pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced,
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and basil)
  • 3/4 teaspoons salt (more to taste)
  • 3 ounces (about 1 cup, packed) shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces (about 1 cup, packed) shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 10 ounces diced ham (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onion greens or chives
Instructions:
  • Prepare pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of salt. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare your other ingredients. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta uncovered for 9 to 10 minutes until it is "al dente," cooked through but still slightly firm.
  • To make a flavorful roux, melt butter in a large, thick-bottomed pot over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic briefly until fragrant. Add flour, whisk until smooth, and cook the roux for a minute or two until bubbly.
  • Prepare the sauce by gradually pouring in the milk and cream, a quarter cup at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Turn up the heat to medium-high and introduce 1⁄4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1⁄2 teaspoon of black pepper. Enhance with 1⁄2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Put in half of the shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, whisk until smooth and fully blended. Season with 3/4 teaspoon of salt and mix in 1 cup of water, optionally using pasta cooking water.
  • Preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F.
  • Mix the cooked pasta with sauce, ham, parsley, and onion greens. Drain the pasta and blend it with the sauce, then incorporate the ham, parsley, and onion greens. Gently mix together. Season with nutmeg, salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking. Taste and adjust if needed.
  • Bake the pasta mixture in an oven-proof casserole dish, or leave it in the Dutch oven if that's what you used for the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Enjoy the dish and don't forget to rate and comment!

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