Cheesy Ham Penne Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Ham Penne Casserole, a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. Featuring tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich homemade cheese sauce, this casserole is loaded with savory diced ham, sweet pops of frozen peas, and a golden breadcrumb topping for the perfect crunch. With just 15 minutes of prep and a short bake time, this crowd-pleaser is a quick and easy way to transform pantry staples into a decadent meal. Serve it as a stand-alone main dish or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete dinner that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Ideal for meal prep or using up leftover ham, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, stirring well to combine.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, frozen peas, and cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly.

Step 8

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy ham penne casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2203.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4532.0

Total Fat 211.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 114.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g
Cholesterol 787.0mg	0%
Sodium 11920.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 388.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.7g	0%
Total Sugars 56.6g
Protein 280.7g	0%

Vitamin D 322.1IU	0%
Calcium 3614.8mg	0%
Iron 21.5mg	0%
Potassium 3681.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.6%

Protein: 24.5%

Carbs: 33.9%