Seashells Ham and Cheese Ziti
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Seashells Ham and Cheese Ziti, a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that's sure to satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe pairs the hearty texture of ziti with delicate seashell pasta, all smothered in a luscious sauce made from sharp cheddar and gruyere cheeses. Savory bites of diced ham add a delightful twist, while a golden, garlicky panko-Parmesan topping delivers the perfect crunch. Ready in under an hour, this casserole-style dish is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and watch as this baked pasta bake disappears from the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 8 ounces small seashell pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups ham, diced
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti and seashell pasta together until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and gruyere cheese. Add the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Fold the cooked pasta and diced ham into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and minced garlic. Mix well to coat the breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5338 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 239.7 g | 307% | |
| Saturated Fat | 122.4 g | 612% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 768 mg | 256% | |
| Sodium | 10539 mg | 458% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 528.2 g | 192% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.6 g | 102% | |
| Total Sugars | 62.8 g | ||
| Protein | 287.0 g | 574% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 4195 mg | 323% | |
| Iron | 24.3 mg | 135% | |
| Potassium | 2800 mg | 60% | |
*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.
