Creamy Ham and Mushroom Pasta Bake

By: Deborah

This creamy ham and mushroom pasta bake recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with tender pasta, smoky ham, savoury mushrooms, and a cheesy sauce, it’s a family favourite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

PREP: 10

COOK: 20

TOTAL: 30

Course: Main

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 4 people

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Equipment

Ingredients

300 g (10.6 oz) dried farfalle pasta (or other dried pasta of your choice)
50 g (1.8 oz) butter plus a little extra
250 g (8.8 oz) chestnut mushrooms halved or quartered, depending on their size (see Notes)
4 medium spring onions finely sliced
50 g (1.8 oz) plain flour
500 ml (2 ¼ cups) milk (I use semi-skimmed)
140 g (4.9 oz) thickly cut ham chopped
140 g (1 ¼ cups) extra mature cheddar grated
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cook the pasta according to pack instructions, then drain. While the pasta is cooking, melt a little butter in a large saucepan and fry the mushrooms for a couple of minutes over a high heat, then scoop out and set aside. Use some kitchen roll to wipe out the pan.
Melt the remaining butter in the pan over a medium heat, then add most of the spring onions and cook to soften for 1 minute. Add the flour and stir for another minute, then gradually stir in the milk until you have a lump-free sauce. Increase the heat until the sauce bubbles and stir for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken. Turn off the heat, stir in the ham and most of the cheese, then season to taste. Strain any juices from the mushrooms into the sauce - it'll add extra flavour and thin the sauce slightly.
Add the pasta and mushrooms into a medium ovenproof dish, then pour over the sauce and mix well. Scatter over the remaining cheese and spring onions, then bake for 10 minutes until golden.

Notes

Vegetable substitutes - try different vegetables, eg broccoli, peas, sweetcorn, green beans etc. Blanch them first before mixing them into the pasta to keep them tender and vibrant.
Herbs and seasonings - try seasoning the sauce with garlic powder, smoked paprika or a pinch of nutmeg. Adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or chives will add extra flavour.
Protein options - swap the ham for chicken, turkey or even smoked salmon to customise the recipe.
Toppings - try finishing the dish with crispy bacon bit, toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chilli flakes for added flavour and texture.
Dairy-free option - use a plant-based milk alternative and dairy-free cheese.
Gluten-free option - use gluten-free pasta and flour for the sauce.
Vegetarian option - omit the ham and add more vegetables like courgette, peppers or tomatoes.
This creamy ham and mushroom pasta bake recipe is easily adapted if you’re cooking for less or more people.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

KEYWORDS comfort food, freezable, ham pasta bake, leftover festive gammon, leftover festive ham, make ahead, pasta bake, winter warmer

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