Craving a mouthwatering comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this irresistible Ham Broccoli Pasta Casserole! In just 50 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that promises to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick meal or a home cook searching for a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets to the same pot to blanch them briefly.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, then return them to the pot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Add diced ham and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pasta and broccoli mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
- Pour the soup mixture over the pasta, ham, and broccoli, stirring to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Tips
- For the best texture, be careful not to overcook your pasta. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, more melted cheese topping.
- If you want to add extra flavor, consider sautéing the diced ham lightly before adding it to the casserole to enhance its taste.
- To make this dish even more nutritious, you can add additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If you're watching sodium intake, use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and ham.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking - just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
