Print

Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta Bake with Parmesan Crust

Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta Bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy pasta bake featuring ham, peas, and a golden Parmesan crust, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) dried pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced (preferably smoked ham)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk for lighter option)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese for crust
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than package instructions (about 8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 3 minutes until softened but not browned.
  4. Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta with diced ham and thawed peas. Pour the cheese sauce over and mix gently until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup Parmesan evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta slightly under al dente to prevent mushiness after baking. Stir constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps in sauce. For extra crispy crust, mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan and broil for last 1-2 minutes. Tent with foil if crust browns too fast. Sauce can be loosened with a splash of milk if too thick before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta bake, ham pasta bake, pea pasta bake, Parmesan crust, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/creamy-ham-and-pea-pasta-bake-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-parmesan-crust/