Ingredients for Baked Penne With Ham Peas And Jack Cheese
- Penne Pasta
- Olive Oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Tomatoes
- All Purpose Flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Monterey Jack Cheese
- Frozen Peas
- Cooked Ham
How to Make Baked Penne With Ham Peas And Jack Cheese
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Cook 1 pound penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Stir for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the onion and tomato mixture. Stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add 1 cup shredded Jack cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, 1 cup frozen peas, and 1 cup diced cooked ham. Toss until well blended.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded Jack cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
14 g
Sugar
15g
Fat
72g
Carbs
26g