Ham and Swiss Baked Penne Recipe
As a kid I loved the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them.
As a kid I loved the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them.
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups 2% milk
- topping:
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded swiss cheese
- 2-1/3 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1/2 cup shredded colby cheese
- Carbohydrate 14.0025145873848 g
- Cholesterol 42.145937525748 mg
- Fat 15.3728573004597 g
- Fiber 0.668270846050043 g
- Protein 4.17720104406295 g
- Saturated Fat 9.43869125548927 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (142g)
- Sodium 379.746250126205 mg
- Sugar 13.3342437413347 g
- Trans Fat 1.02855270887954 g
- Calories 209 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk and cream.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
- Gradually stir in Swiss and Colby cheeses until melted.
- Add ham and pasta; toss to coat.
- Transfer to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix topping ingredients; sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.
My Comfort Food: Ham and Swiss Baked Penne
This recipe isn't just a dish; it's a trip down memory lane. As a busy working mom, I often find myself craving comfort food, something that reminds me of simpler times. This Ham and Swiss Baked Penne does just that. It's a nostalgic nod to those childhood days spent enjoying gooey, cheesy goodness, but with a grown-up twist.
The aroma alone is enough to transport you back. Imagine: the rich, creamy sauce bubbling gently, the savory ham melding with the sharp Swiss cheese, all perfectly intertwined with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It's a symphony of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Even on the busiest of weeknights, this dish comes together quickly, leaving me with enough time to enjoy a relaxing evening with my family.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The melted Swiss and Colby cheeses create a creamy, decadent sauce that perfectly complements the savory ham and perfectly cooked pasta. Each bite is an explosion of flavour, a comforting reminder of simpler times, and a satisfying conclusion to a long day. The simplicity of the recipe is deceptive; the end result is anything but basic.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Want to add some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients? Go for it! Prefer a different type of cheese? Experiment and find your perfect combination! The possibilities are endless. This recipe is my blank canvas, where I can add my own personal touches and create a masterpiece tailored to my family's tastes.
What makes this dish even more special is the shared experience. It's a dish I love to prepare for family gatherings and potlucks. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, disappearing quickly from the table, leaving behind only happy, satisfied faces and lingering delicious aroma. It's a dish that brings people together, creating lasting memories and heartwarming moments.
So, if you're looking for a comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy meal, look no further. This Ham and Swiss Baked Penne is a guaranteed winner, a culinary hug in a bowl, and a recipe that I will continue to cherish and share for years to come. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a little comfort food magic, a delicious experience that transcends the ordinary.
Beyond the practicality and delicious taste, this dish holds a special significance for me. It embodies my personal philosophy of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, mirroring my own journey of navigating the complexities of life with grace and determination. Each time I make this dish, I'm reminded of the simple joys and lasting memories that truly matter.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a story, a memory, and a delicious taste of home.
