Creamy Pasta Bake with Ham – The Best Recipe for Food Lovers
This creamy pasta bake with ham is a delightful dish that combines tender pasta with savory ham and a rich béchamel sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners with family or friends, it’s a comforting meal that warms the soul.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g pasta (e.g. penne, farfalle or rigatoni)
- 200g diced ham
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 50g butter
- 50g flour
- 800ml milk
- 200ml cream
- 150g grated cheese (e.g. Gouda, Emmental or Mozzarella)
- 50g grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 50g butter over medium heat. Add 50g flour and whisk until a smooth roux forms (about 2 minutes). Slowly add 800ml milk and 200ml cream while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy (about 5-7 minutes). Season with 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion over medium heat until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add 2 pressed garlic cloves and sauté briefly (about 1 minute) until fragrant. Add 200g diced ham and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish. Combine the cooked pasta, ham-onion mixture, and béchamel sauce in the dish and mix well. Sprinkle with 150g grated cheese, then top with the remaining grated cheese.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it cool slightly (about 5 minutes) before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook while baking. You can substitute the ham with cooked chicken, beef, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheese varieties for added flavor.