cheesy ham & broccoli pasta casserole

How To Make cheesy ham & broccoli pasta casserole

• Step 1
  Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a baking dish - I like to use my 7" x 11" rectangle.
• Step 2
  Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Drop in the bow tie pasta and cook until just barely al dente. Once is it cooked, drain well and give it a quick rinse then set aside.
• Step 3
  Cut the broccoli florets into smallish bite size pieces. Steam until crisp tender then drain well and set aside.
• Step 4
  While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, cut the ham or smoked sausage into bite size pieces and set aside.
• Step 5
  Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat until melted. Whisk in the flour and stirring constantly, cook for about 3 minutes. Whisk the milk in about half at a time. Bring to a high simmer over medium low heat. Stir constantly for about 3 or 4 minutes until it is thickened.
• Step 6
  Add cheeses slowly and continue to cook over low heat while whisking until all of the cheese has melted and you have a smooth sauce.
• Step 7
  Add the pasta and meat. Stir gently to coat. Add the steamed broccoli and gently stir to coat.
• Step 8
  Spoon the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with salt and pepper to taste then a thin layer of crushed butter crackers topped with canned onion rings.
• Step 9
  Bake - uncovered - for about 20 or 25 minutes or until bubbly. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
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