Ham and Shells Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic *Ham and Shells Casserole*, a family-friendly dish that combines tender pasta shells, smoky diced ham, and a velvety homemade cheese sauce. This casserole features a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, seasoned with garlic and onion powders for a rich and savory profile. Topped with crispy, golden panko breadcrumbs infused with parsley, it's baked to perfection for a satisfying blend of creamy and crunchy textures. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Serve it fresh out of the oven for a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Medium pasta shells
- 2 cups Cooked ham
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Dried parsley
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy Ham and Shells Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4396 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 233.4 g | 299% | |
| Saturated Fat | 128.9 g | 644% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 868 mg | 289% | |
| Sodium | 11101 mg | 483% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 332.1 g | 121% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.5 g | ||
| Protein | 246.1 g | 492% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 2818 mg | 217% | |
| Iron | 13.8 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 2948 mg | 63% | |
*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.
