Creamy Ham and Pea Shells Bake
Transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting, creamy dish with this delightful Creamy Ham and Pea Shells Bake. By combining rich Velveeta cheese with tender pasta, sweet peas, and savory ham, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a cozy, mouthwatering meal. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, its unique blend of flavors and textures will surprise and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Say goodbye to ordinary Mac & Cheese and enjoy this elevated version that brings a touch of elegance to your plate!
4
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked small shell pasta
1 1/4 cups (cooked)
butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
finely chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
milk
1 1/2 cups (whole or low-fat)
Velveeta cheese
3 ounces (cubed)
sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
chicken bouillon powder
1/4 teaspoon (powdered)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
chopped cooked ham
1 1/4 cups (cooked)
peas
1 cup (fresh or frozen)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
2
In a medium saucepan (you can use the same one used to cook the pasta to minimize cleanup), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped sweet onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until the mixture is lightly browned.
4
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the sweet paprika, dry mustard, chicken bouillon powder, and ground black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the cooked pasta, chopped ham, and peas. Mix until all ingredients are well-coated in the cheese sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
7
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
8
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Ham and Pea Shells Bake.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of cooked small shell pasta.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is needed?
You will need a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 3 tablespoons of either butter or margarine.
How should the onion be prepared?
Use 1/4 cup of finely chopped sweet onion.
How long do I cook the onions?
Cook the onions in melted butter for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
What kind of flour is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What type of milk is recommended for the sauce?
You can use 1 1/2 cups of either whole or low-fat milk.
What seasonings are added to the milk mixture?
Add sweet paprika, dry mustard, chicken bouillon powder, and ground black pepper.
How long should the sauce cook to thicken?
Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 3 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese.
How should the ham be prepared for this recipe?
Use 1 1/4 cups of chopped cooked ham.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of either fresh or frozen peas.
Is there an optional cheese topping?
Yes, you can sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top before baking.
What should I do if the pasta mixture is too thick?
If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
How long does the dish bake?
Bake the dish for 25 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when it is bubbling and golden brown on top.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 300 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 18g of protein.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
Each serving has 13.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I minimize cleanup while making this?
Yes, you can use the same saucepan used to cook the pasta to prepare the cheese sauce.
What makes this recipe a good use for leftovers?
It is specifically designed to transform holiday ham leftovers into a comforting meal.
How is the flavor described?
It is described as a cozy, mouthwatering blend of rich Velveeta, sweet peas, and savory ham.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to the family.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it perfect for a potluck or family dinner.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include mac and cheese, ham, peas, comfort food, baked pasta, and one-dish meal.
What is the chicken bouillon powder used for?
It is used as a seasoning in the sauce to enhance the savory flavor profile.