Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
Prep Time:
35 Minutes
Total Time:
1 Hour 20 Minutes
Serves:
8 (1 cup per serving)
Ingredients
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8 ounces dried penne pasta
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1/2 cup butter, melted
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1/4 cup all purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups half-and-half
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/8 teaspoon pepper
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2 cups Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese
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1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
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1 9 ounce box frozen peas, thawed
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2 cups diced cooked ham
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3/4 cup bread crumbs
Directions
Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain; set aside. In a separate sauce pan, combine ¼ cup butter and flour; cook 1 minute; stir in the half and half, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cottage cheese and Cheddar cheese; whisk to blend. Add the peas and diced ham to the macaroni; stir to incorporate. Stir the sauce into the macaroni mixture. Pour the mixture into a 3 quart casserole or baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs over the macaroni mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until bubbly.