Pasta with Ham Veggies and Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Pasta with Ham, Veggies, and Cheese Sauce recipe—an irresistible harmony of tender pasta, smoky diced ham, and vibrant broccoli and carrots, all enveloped in a creamy, velvety cheddar-Parmesan cheese sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. The homemade cheese sauce, made with a rich roux and seasoned with garlic powder, delivers a luxurious flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, the sautéed vegetables add a satisfying crunch and a burst of color while keeping it wholesome. Serve this hearty, family-friendly pasta hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper for a finishing touch that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 8 oz Cooked ham (diced)
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Carrots (sliced thinly)
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. 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.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed ham, and vegetables in the skillet. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and gently toss until everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
784 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.7 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 141 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 2002 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.5 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.9 g | ||
| Protein | 48.1 g | 96% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 934 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 670 mg | 14% | |
*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.
