Ham and Cheese Ziti
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ham and Cheese Ziti, a baked pasta dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with savory bites of tender ham. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe features ziti pasta enveloped in a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, infused with garlic and Italian seasoning for irresistible flavor. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and finished with a hint of fresh parsley, this dish is baked to perfection in just 25 minutes. Quick to prepare and hearty enough to satisfy a crowd, Ham and Cheese Ziti is your go-to recipe for creamy pasta bliss.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a thin coating of olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and starts to simmer.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and mix well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix until the pasta and ham are evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
In a small bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs with the olive oil, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the ziti dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4837 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 221.0 g | 283% | |
| Saturated Fat | 118.9 g | 594% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 809 mg | 270% | |
| Sodium | 10726 mg | 466% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 446.7 g | 162% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.3 g | 101% | |
| Total Sugars | 63.3 g | ||
| Protein | 284.8 g | 570% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.1 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 3660 mg | 282% | |
| Iron | 24.0 mg | 133% | |
| Potassium | 2586 mg | 55% | |
*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.
