Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Author: 
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Ingredients
  • 1½ cups/360ml milk
  • 1 cup/240ml water
  • 3 tablespoons corn starch
  • 3 small cubes or teaspoons of vegetable bouillon
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8oz./250g whole-grain penne pasta
  • 1 head/18oz./500g Broccoli, cut into little florets
  • 7oz./200g cooked ham, chopped into cubes
  • 7oz./200g shredded cheddar or gouda cheese
  • ¾cup/40g panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400℉/200℃.
  2. In a large pot, whisk together milk, water, corn starch and bouillon until corn starch has dissolved.
  3. Place the pot on medium heat and stir in garlic powder, poultry seasoning, mustard and pepper.
  4. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, take off the heat and set aside.
  5. In the meantime, bring about 2 quarts/2 liters of water to boil in a large pot.
  6. Once boiling, add the pasta and broccoli and cook for 6 minutes.
  7. Strain the pasta and broccoli, return to pot and add cubed ham.
  8. Add the cheese to the cream sauce and stir until mixed, but not melted.
  9. Pour the cheese sauce into the large pot and mix with the noodle mixture until well-coated.
  10. Transfer everything to a greased 9x13in (23x33cm) casserole dish and gently pat down using a spatula.
  11. In a small bowl mix the panko with the melted butter and sprinkle over casserole.
  12. Cover casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  13. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.
  14. Remove casserole from oven and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
* If your family likes garlic, mix a pressed clove in with the panko and butter before topping the casserole with it.
* If you use a pasta other than penne be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Recipe by My Little Gourmet at http://mylittlegourmet.com/main-dishes/ham-broccoli-pasta-bake/