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Test Kitchen Approved

Easy Ham & Cheese Pasta Bake

Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 8-10 servings

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About

This simple pasta bake combines pasta, ham, and cheese for an easy dinner that’s filling. Rotini pasta is covered in a ham and cheese sauce and baked with extra cheese on top — it's decadent, to be sure, but so very worth it. Pair the Easy Ham & Cheese Pasta Bake with a light green salad and some roasted veggies to make it more of a balanced meal. Alternatively, you can embrace the indulgence of Easy Ham & Cheese Pasta Bake and grab your favorite chocolate cake for dessert. The choice is yours!

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Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) box rotini pasta
  • 2 1/2 cups milk, warm
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups ham, cooked and cubed
  • fresh parsley, optional, to taste, chopped, for serving

Directions

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Prepare a 13x9 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.

Step 3 -Cook the pasta to al dente, according to the package directions.

Step 4 -Drain the pasta and return it to the pan.

Step 5 -In a large skillet on low heat on the stovetop, melt the butter.

Step 6 -Add in the flour, whisking for 1 minute. Add the warm milk slowly, constantly whisking.

Step 7 -Increase the heat to medium and stir until thickened.

Step 8 -Gradually add 1 1/4 cups of the cheddar cheese, whisking until melted after each addition.

Step 9 -Add in the ham.

Step 10 -Season the sauce with the salt and the pepper.

Step 11 -Stir the ham-cheese mixture into the pasta, mixing well.

Step 12 -Move the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 13 -Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Step 14 -Bake until bubbly, about 20-30 minutes.

Step 15 -Garnish with the fresh parsley and serve!

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