Alfredo Ham Shell Pasta Bake

• 12 oz pasta shells, uncooked
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan for topping
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. 4 Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.
5. 5 Add garlic, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg (if using) to the sauce. Stir in 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and 1 cup Parmesan until melted.
6. 6 Combine cooked pasta shells, ham, and sauce in a large bowl. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan on top.
8. 8 Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
9. 9 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Variations

• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Substitute chicken for ham for a different twist.

Substitutions

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and milk.
• Substitute cooked turkey for ham.

Pairings

• Sparkling water with lemon
• Light white wine like Pinot Grigio

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté minced garlic in butter before making the roux.
• Cover with foil during baking if the top browns too quickly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncover for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side Caesar salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.

FAQ