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Creamy Ham and Cheese Casserole with Penne

A serving of creamy Ham and cheese casserole featuring penne pasta, diced ham, and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping.
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A simple, comforting baked pasta dish using leftover ham, perfect for a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  4. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  7. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. This is your creamy ham and cheese sauce.
  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, and the cheese sauce. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  9. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  10. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Notes

  • If you do not have leftover ham, you can use freshly cooked diced ham or pre-packaged diced ham.
  • For extra flavor, add 1 cup of frozen peas or steamed broccoli florets when mixing the pasta and sauce.
  • If you prefer a sharper flavor, substitute Gruyere cheese for some of the cheddar.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummagnet.com/ham-and-cheese-casserole-quick-comfort-bake/