Even though Mississippi might be the catfish capital, this little tantalizing, alluring dish goes in a different direction to curb your hunger. Mississippi Sin Pasta is loaded with all the comforting feels of front-porch sitting and as satisfying as a good day of fishing. We do confess this boat-load of pure goodness is packed with savory ham and tender pasta, all with a creamy, sassy cheese sauce that really reels you in and keeps you coming back for more. No fish stories here! Mississippi Sin Pasta is truly transgression-free and a righteous choice when feeding a frenzy of people. It’s just a great choice that will get you hooked!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces short pasta, such as rigatoni or penne
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups ham, diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 2 green onions, green parts only, thinly sliced, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 –In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the penne pasta to al dente, according to the package directions.
Step 2 –Drain the water from the pasta and return the pasta to the pot.
Step 3 –In a large skillet or Dutch oven over low heat, melt the butter.
Step 4 –Add the garlic to the melted butter and cook, while stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5 –Add the black pepper, the red pepper flakes, and the salt to the garlic and stir to combine.
Step 6 –Add the cream cheese cubes and the milk to the garlic mixture and cook, while stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted.
Step 7 –Add the ham and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture and cook, while stirring constantly, until the cheddar cheese is melted.
Step 8 –Add the pasta to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
Step 9 –Let the pasta mixture heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 10 –Evenly add the remaining cheddar cheese to the top of the pasta mixture.
Step 11 –Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack.
Step 12 –Let the skillet sit, covered, until the cheddar on top melts, about 5 minutes.
Step 13 –Serve garnished with the green onions.
