Ingredients for Cheesy Ham Penne Casserole
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus 1 to 2 cups optional extra
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How to Make Cheesy Ham Penne Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Cook 1 pound penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with 1 cup diced ham.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 cup chopped onion. Stir and cook for 4 minutes.
- Add 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Slowly whisk in 2 cups heavy cream and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook, stirring over medium-low heat, until bubbly and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and ham mixture. Toss gently until well combined.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with an additional 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
- During the last 3 minutes of baking, remove the cover and sprinkle 1-2 cups of extra shredded cheddar cheese (optional) over the top for extra cheesiness!
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
27 g
Sugar
3g
Fat
146g
Carbs
18g