Cheesy Ham & Veggie Pasta Bake
Transform your leftover ham into a delightful and satisfying dish with this Cheesy Ham & Veggie Pasta Bake. Featuring a harmonious blend of creamy white cheddar, savory parmesan, and fresh vegetables, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender pasta, hearty ham, and vibrant peas and mushrooms creates a deliciously comforting meal, perfect for chilly evenings. Easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep, this recipe guarantees you'll always have a quick, homemade dinner option on hand. Enjoy the versatility of this dish by swapping in turkey or chicken for a delightful twist, and feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect combination. Serve this casserole at gatherings or simply for a cozy night in—it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ham, diced
1 1/2 cups (cut into small cubes)
Linguine
8 ounces (broken into 4-inch pieces)
Cremini mushrooms
8 ounces (thinly sliced)
Scallions
4 (diced)
Frozen peas
1 cup (thawed)
Onion
1 medium (cut in half and thinly sliced)
White cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Chicken broth
2 cups (none)
Sherry wine
4 tablespoons (or replace with more chicken broth or white wine)
Butter
4 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Flour
4 tablespoons (for thickening the sauce)
Parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Nutmeg
1 pinch (for flavoring)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot used for the pasta, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, diced ham, thinly sliced onion, scallions, and chopped parsley. Sauté until the mushrooms and onions are softened.
3
3. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. Gradually add in the chicken broth and sherry wine while stirring constantly. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and ground black pepper. Continue to cook, stirring until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the heavy cream, half of the parmesan, half of the white cheddar, and frozen peas. Mix well until combined.
4
4. Combine and Bake: Gently fold the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring it is well-coated. Spray a 13x9 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and melted.
5
5. Serve: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce firm up. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ham & Veggie Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting casserole featuring leftover ham, linguine, fresh vegetables like mushrooms and peas, and a creamy sauce made with white cheddar and parmesan.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of linguine, broken into 4-inch pieces.
Can I use something other than ham?
Yes, you can easily swap the ham for turkey or chicken for a delightful twist on the dish.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before baking the casserole.
How long should I bake the pasta?
The casserole should be baked for approximately 30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and melted.
What can I use if I do not have sherry wine?
You can replace the sherry wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or white wine.
What vegetables are included in this bake?
This recipe includes cremini mushrooms, scallions, frozen peas, and a medium onion.
How do I prepare the sauce?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then gradually stirring in chicken broth, sherry wine, heavy cream, and cheeses until thickened.
What size casserole dish should I use?
You should use a 13x9 inch casserole dish sprayed with nonstick spray.
Why should I let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking?
Allowing the dish to sit for 5 minutes helps the sauce firm up, making it easier to serve.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination, though white cheddar and parmesan are suggested.
How do I prepare the linguine?
Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside before folding it into the sauce.
Do I need to thaw the peas?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of frozen peas that have been thawed.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of thinly sliced cremini mushrooms.
Is there any specific seasoning used in the sauce?
Besides salt and ground black pepper, a pinch of nutmeg is added to flavor the sauce.
How much ham do I need?
You will need 1 and a half cups of diced ham, cut into small cubes.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread.
How do I saute the vegetables?
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot and saute the mushrooms, ham, onion, scallions, and parsley until the vegetables are softened.
What is the consistency of the pasta after boiling?
The pasta should be cooked until it is 'al dente,' meaning it is firm to the bite.
How many scallions are needed?
You will need 4 diced scallions for this recipe.
When do I add the cheese?
Half of the parmesan and half of the white cheddar are stirred into the sauce, while the remaining cheese is sprinkled on top before baking.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for meal prep as it provides a quick, homemade dinner option that is easy to keep on hand.
Can I use more chicken broth?
Yes, if you choose not to use sherry wine, you can substitute it with more chicken broth.
How much heavy cream is required?
The recipe uses half a cup of heavy cream to add richness to the sauce.
How should the onion be prepared?
Use one medium onion, cut in half and then thinly sliced.
What type of cheddar is recommended?
The recipe specifically suggests using white cheddar cheese for a creamy and savory flavor.
How much flour is needed for thickening?
You will need 4 tablespoons of flour to thicken the sauce.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
Is the ham cooked before adding it to the pot?
The recipe is designed to use leftover ham, which is sauteed with the vegetables to heat through.
Is this dish suitable for gatherings?
Yes, this cheesy pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for serving at gatherings or cozy nights in.