Pepin's Penne Ham and Vegetable Gratin

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, Pepin's Penne Ham and Vegetable Gratin is the ultimate baked pasta dish for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta coated in a rich homemade cheddar and parmesan cheese sauce, this recipe is elevated with the addition of vibrant vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini, as well as hearty diced ham for a touch of savory indulgence. A golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy interior. With simple, wholesome ingredients and just 50 minutes from prep to table, this gratin is an easy and satisfying way to bring gourmet comfort food to your kitchen. Perfect for leftovers, weeknight meals, or freezer-friendly meal prep!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500 milliliters milk
• 150 grams cheddar cheese, shredded
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 200 grams cooked ham, diced
• 150 grams broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Gradually pour the milk into the roux while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Set aside.

Step 6

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the broccoli florets, diced carrot, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, sautéed vegetables, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat every ingredient in the sauce.

Step 9

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 12

Remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1824.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3434.2

Total Fat 147.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 460.1mg	0%
Sodium 8581.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 371.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.6g	0%
Total Sugars 44.9g
Protein 180.1g	0%

Vitamin D 259.0IU	0%
Calcium 2493.5mg	0%
Iron 21.7mg	0%
Potassium 2896.5mg	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: 37.5%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 42.1%