Category: Pork -

Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake     

Ingredients:
12 ounces fusilli pasta
4 Tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced,
4 Tbsp flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup 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

Preparation:
Prepare pasta according to directions on box. Melt the butter in a large thick-bottomed pot on medium heat. Add the minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle for a few seconds. Add the flour and whisk so that any lumps are dissolved. Let the roux bubble and cook for a minute or two. Slowly add the milk and cream, a quarter cup at a time, whisking until incorporated after each addition. Increase the heat to medium high. Add ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Add ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add half of the shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, whisking until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add salt. Stir in 1 cup of pasta cooking water.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the sauce. Add the ham. Add the chopped parsley and onion greens or chives. Gently stir to combine. Taste, and add more nutmeg, salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to taste. Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-proof casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Date added: 2016-12-21
Number of visits: 2606