Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake

Serving 6 people, this recipe requires only 5 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time. Please note that it contains milk.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 12 oz fusilli pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook briefly, approximately 1 minute.
4. Slowly add the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Stir in the nutmeg, pepper, salt, and oregano. Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and stir until melted. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Add the diced ham, cooked pasta, and chopped chives, and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes. Enjoy your delicious dish!