This cheesy pasta bake makes an easy and delicious weeknight meal. It’s loaded with roasted vegetables, pasta shells, and ham and baked in a creamy cheese sauce that the whole family will enjoy!
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals
I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy meal ideas – especially for those busy weeknight dinners! I’m not a huge fan of cooking, so I love simple recipes that still taste great. Today I’ve joined forces with some amazing bloggers to bring you some of our favorite quick and easy dinner recipes. You can find all of the recipe links at the end of the post so be sure to check them out. I hope you find these helpful and you’re inspired to add a new recipe or two to your regular meal rotation!
Cheesy Vegetable and Ham Casserole
This vegetable and ham cheesy pasta bake is easy to make with simple ingredients that you can pick up anywhere. It’s one of the few dishes that I make that at least one of the kids doesn’t end up picking something out! lol! It does require a little extra cooking time due to the roasted vegetables, but it’s definitely worth it. I often double the recipe, making an extra casserole dish for freezing. Who doesn’t need a meal all ready to go every once in a while?
Cheesy Vegetable and Ham Pasta Bake Recipe
Cheesy Vegetable and Ham Pasta Bake
Roasted vegetables, ham, and pasta baked in a creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 tsp red pepper flakes We like a little spice but you can always adjust this to your preference.
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 4 large carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated skim milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cubed, cooked ham
- 3/4 cups bread crumbs
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400F.
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Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Add broccoli, cauliflower, oil and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to the oven and roast for 30 minutes, tossing half way through. Remove from the oven and set aside. Decrease the oven temperature to 350F.
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While the vegetables are roasting, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the carrots, milk and 1/2 cup water. Heat on medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until carrots are softened. There are then two options to complete the sauce.
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Option #1: Stir in shredded cheese until completely melted. Remove from heat.
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Option #2: For a creamier option, remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a food processor, add cheese, and pulse until smooth.
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In an 8x10 inch baking dish (or other 2.5 quart casserole dish), combine the vegetables, cheese sauce, pasta and ham. Spread the mixture in an even layer and cover with bread crumbs. Bake for 20 minutes or until topping is browned or bubbling. If you prefer a toastier topping, remove the cover for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Vegetarian Option
My husband is a vegetarian so I’m always adapting recipes to suit his needs. For this recipe, you can easily substitute extra-firm tofu for the ham. Just toss the tofu in some olive oil and cook for 4-5 minutes while you’re making the cheese sauce. If you don’t want to sub in tofu for the full recipe, you can mix together the pasta, vegetables, and sauce and then place a serving size {or two} into a smaller baking dish before adding the tofu to one and the ham to the main baking dish.
Is this casserole freezer friendly?
Yes! This casserole does well being stored in the freezer for a no-prep meal when you need it! Since it uses cooked ham, you can freeze it prior to baking it and then bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat it. I leave the bread crumbs off mine until I bake it, but it should work fine if you want to add the bread crumbs prior to freezing. For freezing, allow the pasta mixture to completely cool in the baking dish {or use a disposable dish if you’ll need your casserole dish!}. Cover well with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface of the food to remove any air. Next, add a layer of aluminum foil {again pressing it down against the surface of the food} and ensure the top and sides of the baking dish are completely sealed. use a Sharpie to label it and place it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat the casserole, thaw it in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Once it has thawed at least most of the way through, place it in the oven at 350F. (If you didn’t add the bread crumbs prior to freezing don’t forget to add them before cooking.} I usually add a little bit of extra cooking time to mine, so allow for up to 30 minutes of baking time, checking after 20 minutes.
I hope you enjoy this ham and vegetable cheesy pasta bake as much as we do! Let me know if you try it!
More Quick and Simple Dinner Ideas
For more easy and delicious dinner recipes, check out these posts…
Bolognese Sauce from Citirine Living
A fabulous pasta dish sure to please family and friends.
Cream Cheeese Chicken from Decor To Adore
Need an easy family night meal that your family will rave about. Cream Cheese Chicken
Chicken Divan from 11 Magnolia Lane
This Budget Friendly dish will fast become a favorite – serve it to impress your guests.
Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken from Grace In My Space
She shares 3 ways to cook this universally favorite dish. Pick your favorite and make it tonight.
Quick and Easy Naan Bread from It All Started With Paint
Make a little or a lot, you’ll definitely want this on hand at all times.
Gourmet Grilled Cheese from Our Southern Home
Take your grilled cheese up a notch! This one is sure to garner rave reviews.
113 Calorie Broccoli, Potato, Leek Soup from A Stroll Thru Life
This is so good you won’t even think you’re dieting!
3 Ingredient Strawberry Cookies from Worthing Court
And if you feel like a little dessert, these strawberry cookies are super easy and Weight Watcher Friendly!
I love a dish that I can double and freeze half for another night. We love pasta at our house, it is on the menu at least once or twice a week, so this one will definitely make the rotation. Sounds fabulous and love that is has some veggies in it too.
I cannot wait to try this recipe. It is just the thing to make on a busy day. Pinned!
That looks so delicious! What a great way to sneak in some veggies into your kid’s dinner! Can’t wait to give it a try!
🙂 Linda