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 and 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 and Cheese Pasta Bake and grab your favorite chocolate cake for dessert. The choice is yours!
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) box rotini pasta, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated and divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups ham, cooked and cubed
- fresh parsley, optional, for serving
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Prepare a 13×9 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 3 –Cook the pasta following the box’s directions.
Step 4 –Drain the pasta and return it to the pan.
Step 5 –Warm up the milk in the microwave, then set it aside.
Step 6 –In a large skillet on low heat on the stove-top, melt the butter.
Step 7 –Add in the flour, whisking for one minute. Add the milk slowly, constantly whisking.
Step 8 –Increase the heat to medium and stir until thickened.
Step 9 –Gradually add 1 1/4 cups of the cheddar cheese in, whisking until melted after each addition.
Step 10 –Add in the ham.
Step 11 –Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 12 –Stir the ham and cheese sauce into the pasta, mixing well.
Step 13 –Move the pasta mix to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 14 –Sprinkle with the reserved 1/4 cup of cheese.
Step 15 –Bake until bubbly, about 20-30 minutes.
Step 16 –Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!
