This creamy ham and mushroom pasta bake is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a family gathering. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking, making it a great option for using up leftovers and satisfying various dietary preferences.
A Flexible and Flavorful Dish
While I followed the original pasta recipe from BBC Good Food, this dish is incredibly adaptable. You can easily increase your vegetable intake by adding peas or sweetcorn. For a vegetarian alternative, simply replace the ham with wilted spinach and crumbled blue cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To prepare this creamy pasta bake, you’ll need:
* 500g farfalle pasta
* 50g butter
* 200g small mushrooms, halved
* Bunch of spring onions, finely sliced
* 50g plain flour
* 500ml milk
* 140g thickly cut ham, chopped
* 140g mature cheddar, grated
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
2. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6).
3. Melt a little butter in a large saucepan. Fry the mushrooms for a couple of minutes and set aside.
4. Melt the remaining butter in the pan. Add most of the onions and soften for one minute.
5. Stir in the flour for another minute. Gradually add the milk, stirring until you have a lump-free sauce.
6. Increase the heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring for a few minutes to thicken.
7. Turn off the heat and stir in the ham and most of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Combine the cooked pasta and mushrooms in a large ovenproof dish. Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix well.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and spring onions over the top.
10. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Enjoy!
This creamy ham and mushroom pasta bake is sure to please everyone at your table. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
