Ham Asparagus and Pasta Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Ham Asparagus and Pasta Casserole, a perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and garden-fresh asparagus. This easy-to-make baked pasta dish combines tender penne, bites of savory ham, and crisp-tender asparagus, all tossed in a luscious homemade cheddar-Parmesan sauce. Topped with golden, olive-oil-kissed panko breadcrumbs, this casserole offers a satisfying crunchy finish to every hearty bite. Ready in under an hour, it’s an excellent option for a weeknight family dinner or a next-day lunch. Whether you're looking for a way to use leftover ham or simply craving a cozy casserole, this recipe is a must-try crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces.
Blanch the asparagus by boiling it for 2 minutes in a medium saucepan of boiling water, then transferring it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine the cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, diced ham, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to evenly coat all ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ham, Asparagus, and Pasta Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4472 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 210.0 g | 269% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.6 g | 568% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 785 mg | 262% | |
| Sodium | 11807 mg | 513% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 384.6 g | 140% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.3 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.5 g | ||
| Protein | 281.4 g | 563% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.3 mcg | 46% | |
| Calcium | 3582 mg | 276% | |
| Iron | 30.1 mg | 167% | |
| Potassium | 4336 mg | 92% | |
*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.
