Spinach and Hot Ham Baked Pasta With a Crispy Top
Ready In: 35 mins
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta
- salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1⁄2 cups 2% low-fat milk
- 1⁄2 lb capicola, sliced into thin ribbons
- 1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
- 1 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated and divided
- 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella ball, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1⁄2 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
Directions
- Preheat broiler.
- Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, salt the water and cook to al dente.
- While the water is coming up to a boil for the pasta, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 T olive oil and the butter.
- When butter melts into the oil, add onions and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes then dust the onions with flour and continue to cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk.
- Gently bring milk to a bubble, allow the milk to thicken a bit, then stir in the capicola, spinach and 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano. Season sauce with nutmeg and cayenne and remove from the heat.
- Combine the cooked pasta and the cubed mozzarella with the sauce, stir to coat completely by turning over and over. Transfer dressed pasta to a baking dish.
- To make the breadcrumb topping, combine the breadcrumbs, 2 T olive oil and the remaining 1/2 cup Parmigiano.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the pasta to cover from edge to edge.
- Place the baking dish under the broiler and broil until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
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