Cheesy Ham Penne Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Ham Penne Casserole, a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. Featuring tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich homemade cheese sauce, this casserole is loaded with savory diced ham, sweet pops of frozen peas, and a golden breadcrumb topping for the perfect crunch. With just 15 minutes of prep and a short bake time, this crowd-pleaser is a quick and easy way to transform pantry staples into a decadent meal. Serve it as a stand-alone main dish or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete dinner that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Ideal for meal prep or using up leftover ham, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, stirring well to combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, frozen peas, and cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy ham penne casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4532 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.9 g | 272% | |
| Saturated Fat | 114.5 g | 572% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 787 mg | 262% | |
| Sodium | 11920 mg | 518% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 388.3 g | 141% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.7 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.6 g | ||
| Protein | 280.7 g | 561% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.1 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 3615 mg | 278% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 3681 mg | 78% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
