Indulge in a comforting classic – creamy ham pasta casserole. Tender pieces of ham are bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite noodles. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, and the leftovers are even better!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ham Pasta Casserole
- Double Comfort: It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with ham for a satisfying and cozy meal.
- Weeknight Friendly: Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy schedules.
- Leftover Lover: The flavors meld even better overnight, making leftovers a delicious treat.
- Family-Pleasing: A crowd-pleasing combination of textures and tastes that kids and adults will enjoy.
- Adaptable: A base recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients.
What Can I Add To This Casserole
The beauty of creamy ham pasta is its versatility! Here are some ideas to add your own twist:
Veggies:
- Classic Additions: Peas, broccoli florets, asparagus spears for a pop of color and freshness.
- Veggie Swap: Chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Different Proteins:
- Chicken Twist: Swap the ham for cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter option.
- Protein Powerhouse: Sliced turkey, diced shrimp, or crumbled sausage can add variety.
- Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian option, add leftover roasted vegetables.
Cheese Variations:
- Creamy Dream Team: Gruyere, Fontina, or Goat cheese for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Classic Comfort: Mozzarella cheese adds a melty goodness you know and love.
- Grated Delight: Parmesan cheese is always a great garnish for an extra cheesy bite.
Other Fun Additions:
- Herb Heaven: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil for a brightness.
- Citrusy Zing: A squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Wine or Broth Boost: A splash of white wine or chicken broth can add depth to the sauce.
- Crunchy Topping: Toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful textural contrast.
Tips for Freezing Casseroles
Here are some tips for freezing casseroles to ensure they taste their best when you reheat them:
- Decide to Bake Before or After: casseroles with raw protein (like chicken or ground beef) should be cooked entirely before freezing. Casseroles with cooked protein or no protein can be frozen unbaked.
- Cool It Down: Let your casserole cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours before freezing. Hot food disrupts freezer temperatures and can lead to mushiness when reheated.
- Double Wrap for Protection: Tightly seal your casserole dish with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer protects from freezer burn and odors.
- Label It Clearly: Use masking tape to label your casserole with the date, name of the dish, and any reheating instructions.
- Think Container: Freezer-safe casserole dishes are convenient but bulky. Consider using aluminum foil to line a regular baking dish, freeze the casserole, then transfer it to a labeled, freezer-safe container for space-saving storage.
- Thaw Before Reheating: Allow the casserole to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. This ensures even cooking and prevents the outside from getting overdone while the center remains frozen.
- Separate & Conquer: Crunchy toppings like breadcrumbs or potato chips can become soggy when frozen on the casserole. Freeze them separately and add them after reheating for the best texture.
- Freeze Time: Casseroles typically freeze well for 2-3 months. After that, the quality can deteriorate.
Making the Recipe
Creamy Ham Pasta
Indulge in a comforting classic – creamy ham pasta. Tender pieces of ham are bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite noodles. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, and the leftovers are even better!
Ingredients
- 10 cups tri colored spiral pasta
- 4 celery stalks chopped
- 1 med green pepper chopped
- ½ cup onion chopped
- ¼ cup butter cubed
- 30 ounces cream of cheddar cheese soup undiluted
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cup ham cooked and cubed
- 8 ounces mushrooms – pieces and stems drained
- 1 cup crackers crushed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to pkg. directions. In a pan, saute the celery, green pepper and onion in butter until tender. Stir in the soup mixture, ham and mushrooms. Drain pasta; add to soup mixture and toss to coat.
- Divide the mixture between two greased 13×9 baking dishes. Top with cracker crumbs.
For Freezing:
- Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in your refrigerator overnight. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 50-55 minutes or until heated through.
To Eat Immediately:
- If you decide you want to make one of the two casseroles as soon as you make them, you will need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake, uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is a golden brown.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 10gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 652mgPotassium: 352mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 255IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 1mg
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Sounds like that would please my crowd, too. You cannot go wrong with cheese, ham and pasta! I love the tri color pasta, too. It adds such a nice punch to the picture.
OMG !! I repeat !! OMG !! This is something more than delicious !! Cheers !! Again – OMG !! 😛