Cheesy Ham-Penne Casserole

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

Rotini pasta may be used in place of penne, prep time does not include cooking the pasta --- if desired sprinkle 1-2 cups grated cheddar cheese on the last 3 minutes of baking time --- this is *very* good!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 16 ounces penne pasta , cooked and drained (measure 16 ounces uncooked, I use half of a 900-gram package)
• 3 cups cubed cooked ham (or use as much as desired)
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (or 1/2 teaspoon white salt)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional or to taste)
• 1 small onion , finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups half-and-half cream (or use half milk and cream)
• 2⁄3; cup grated parmesan cheese , divided
• 4 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese (a little more won't hurt)

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
3. Place the cooked penne and the ham into a large bowl; set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat.
5. Add in mustard powder, black pepper, seasoned salt and cayenne pepper and onion, stir and cook for about 4 minutes.
6. Add in garlic; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
7. Add in flour and mix continously for 2 minutes.
8. Slowly add in the cream and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese; cook stirring over medium-low heat until bubbly.
9. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until completely melted.
10. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and ham; toss until well combined.
11. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
12. Sprinkle the top with about 1/3 cup or more Parmesan cheese.
13. Cover and bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Reviews

[AmberMomOfTwoBoys]

I left out the cayenne and still thought it was too peppery. I thought my family would love it because we are cheese addicts, but no one really liked it. Just OK for us. Turned out greasy and the pepper was too much for our toddler. People who like spicy foods probably would like this more than we did.

[Angela P.]

Just Okay, I thought it would be cheesier with all the cheese in the recipe. Made a lot, we are a family of 3 and nobody had seconds. Hope it freezes okay!