Ham & Cheese Pasta Bake

Easter is coming up in just a few short days and you might end up having leftover ham. Well, this dinner is perfect for that, and I freaking scarfed it down. It’s delicious! Last year we made Grilled Ham & Pineapple Kabobs for Easter, which you can also use leftover ham in. Alternately, you can try my Ham & Broccoli Braid or Cheesy Potatoes & Ham Casserole with your leftover ham. Cheese and ham go really well together. 😉

Ham & Cheese Pasta Bake

This Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake is cheesier than this picture suggests, with a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce and the spinach adds just the right pop of color and flavor. This meal is very filling and one that the whole family will enjoy. It’s different than most of my typical dinners, so that’s why I think I liked it so much.

Ham & Cheese Pasta Bake

I get a little tired of chicken and ground beef all the time. I don’t typically have white pasta very often either (we usually get wheat) so that might be another reason why I went back for seconds, haha! Anyway, you will enjoy this simple weeknight dinner!

Ham & Cheese Pasta Bake
Ham & Cheese Pasta Bake

Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake

Ingredients

  • 1 (16oz) box Ziti
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 2 cups (8oz) Cabot Extra Sharp White Cheddar, shredded
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 lb about 2 to 3 cups fully cooked ham, cubed
  • 1 (10oz) bag fresh spinach, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare ziti according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large stock pot, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat, stir in the cheeses, garlic powder, and pepper; cook and stir until cheese is melted.
  3. Drain ziti; add to sauce mixture. Stir in ham and spinach; cook until spinach welts. Transfer to a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
  4. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Recipe lightly altered from Taste of Home