Ham and Pea Cheesy Pasta Bake

January 3, 2025

Indulge in the comforting ease of our Ham and Pea Cheesy Pasta Bake, a hearty and family-friendly dish packed with creamy cheese, savory ham, and tender peas, making it a perfect and practical choice for weeknight dinners, effortless meal prepping, or a delicious way to repurpose leftovers, all coming together in a golden, bubbly bake in under an hour.

Ingredients

12 oz 3 cups pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta)
1 ½ cups diced ham
1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup of shredded cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until melted.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, peas, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Assemble the Bake:

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
If using breadcrumbs, toss them with olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese layer.

Bake:

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Serve:

Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy ham and pea pasta bake!