Broccoli, Ham, and Cheese Pasta Bake

In our house, weeknight dinners need to be two things: delicious and easy. Let’s be honest, after a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated, multi-hour cooking project. That’s where this Broccoli, Ham, and Cheese Pasta Bake comes to the rescue. It’s become a true family favorite, and for good reason. Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes anything green with suspicion, devours this cheesy bake. The combination of tender broccoli florets, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all nestled with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with a golden crust, is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or just those days when you need a little extra comfort on your plate. Plus, it’s surprisingly versatile – you can easily adapt it to use whatever cheese or pasta you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation too!

Ingredients

• Pasta: 1 pound of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni. Choose your favorite shape; short pasta works best for bakes as it holds the sauce well.
• Broccoli Florets: 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups). Fresh or frozen (thawed) broccoli works equally well. Broccoli adds a healthy dose of greens and a slightly earthy flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
• Cooked Ham: 1 cup of diced cooked ham. Use leftover ham from a holiday dinner, deli ham, or pre-cooked ham cubes. Ham provides a savory, salty element that balances the cheesy sauce and broccoli.
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Butter is the base for our roux, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Flour thickens the sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta and vegetables beautifully.
• Milk: 4 cups of milk (whole milk or 2% milk recommended for creaminess). Milk forms the liquid base of the cheese sauce, creating a smooth and luscious texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp or mild cheddar both work great, depending on your preference. Cheddar provides a classic cheesy flavor and melts beautifully in the bake.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella adds extra meltiness and stretch to the cheese sauce, making it extra gooey and satisfying.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor that enhances the overall cheese profile.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the cheese sauce without being overpowering.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and is crucial for seasoning the sauce properly.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste. Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the cheese sauce.
• Optional Topping: Breadcrumbs or extra grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy topping. These are optional but add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy bake.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Al dente pasta will finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
2. Steam or Blanch Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. You can steam them in a steamer basket over boiling water, or blanch them by briefly boiling them in water and then immediately plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This pre-cooking step ensures the broccoli is tender in the final bake and retains its vibrant color. Drain the broccoli well and set aside.
3. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, whisk in the flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the roux is smooth and lightly golden. This is called a roux, and it’s the foundation for a creamy white sauce. Cooking the roux removes the raw flour taste.
4. Create the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken slightly. Adding the milk gradually prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s crucial for a flavorful cheese sauce.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli florets, and diced ham to the cheese sauce. Gently stir to combine everything, ensuring the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking the pasta.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish and Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs or extra grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy topping.
8. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bake is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the top is golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Resting also helps prevent burning your mouth on molten cheese!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated)

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
• Servings Per Recipe: 8
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes chopping broccoli, dicing ham, grating cheese, and preparing sauce ingredients). This is all the hands-on time you’ll spend getting everything ready before it goes into the oven.
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (includes cooking pasta, steaming broccoli, making cheese sauce, and baking). This is the active cooking time, both on the stovetop and in the oven.
• Total Time: 45 minutes. From start to finish, you can have this comforting pasta bake on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

How to Serve

This Broccoli, Ham, and Cheese Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious ways to serve it and create a balanced and satisfying dinner:

• Side Salad:
  • A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
  • Consider a Caesar salad for a classic pairing, or a spinach salad with berries and nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks:
  • Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up any extra cheese sauce and add a comforting carbohydrate element.
  • For a lighter option, offer crusty whole-wheat bread.
• Roasted Vegetables:
  • Complement the broccoli in the bake with other roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
  • Roasted vegetables add extra nutrients and a different texture to the meal.
• Soup:
  • On a colder day, pair the pasta bake with a light and brothy soup like tomato soup or vegetable soup.
  • Avoid creamy soups as they might be too heavy alongside the rich pasta bake.
• As Leftovers:
  • Pasta bake is fantastic as leftovers! It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven and is perfect for lunch the next day.
  • It’s also a great make-ahead meal – you can assemble it ahead of time and bake it later.

Additional Tips for the Best Broccoli, Ham, and Cheese Pasta Bake

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven while baking, so slightly undercooking it initially prevents it from becoming mushy.
2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts much smoother and has a better flavor. For the best cheese sauce, grating your own cheese is highly recommended, especially for the cheddar and mozzarella.
3. Toast Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: If using breadcrumbs as a topping, consider toasting them lightly in a dry pan with a little butter before sprinkling them over the bake. This will add extra flavor and a more satisfying crunch.
4. Customize Your Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack would all be delicious additions or substitutions for cheddar or mozzarella. A blend of cheeses creates a more complex and interesting flavor profile.
5. Add Extra Vegetables: Want to sneak in more veggies? Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the cheese sauce along with the broccoli. Roasting the vegetables beforehand can also enhance their flavor before adding them to the bake.
6. Make it Vegetarian: Easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ham. You can add more vegetables like roasted cauliflower or asparagus to keep it hearty. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce to mimic some of the smoky flavor from the ham.
7. Make it Ahead: Assemble the pasta bake completely, up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed, or add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold.
8. Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or a dash of hot sauce to individual servings. A sprinkle of black pepper on top before baking can also add a subtle spicy note.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Broccoli, Ham, and Cheese Pasta Bake

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli. Make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the pasta bake. You may not need to steam or blanch frozen broccoli as long as fresh, as it’s often pre-cooked slightly before freezing.

Q2: Can I make this pasta bake without ham?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ham for a delicious vegetarian version. Consider adding other vegetables or increasing the amount of broccoli to make it a heartier vegetarian meal. You could also add cooked white beans or lentils for protein.

Q3: What kind of pasta is best for pasta bake?
A: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, elbow macaroni, or rigatoni are ideal for pasta bakes. Their shapes and ridges hold the sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful and cheesy.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can customize the cheese blend to your liking. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious alternatives or additions to cheddar and mozzarella.

Q5: How do I prevent my pasta bake from being dry?
A: Ensure you have enough cheese sauce to coat the pasta and vegetables generously. Don’t overcook the pasta initially, and avoid overbaking the dish. Baking it covered for part of the time can also help retain moisture, though this recipe is designed to be baked uncovered for a golden crust.

Q6: Can I freeze leftover pasta bake?
A: Yes, pasta bake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Q7: How do I reheat pasta bake?
A: To reheat pasta bake in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the bake with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until warmed through, usually 2-3 minutes.

Q8: Can I add a crispy topping to this pasta bake?
A: Yes! Breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter make a fantastic crispy topping. Sprinkle them over the bake before baking, or during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. You can also use extra grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.

This Broccoli, Ham, and Cheese Pasta Bake is truly a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck contribution, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Enjoy!

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