Creamy Asparagus and Ham Pasta Bake Easy Recipe with Crispy Gruyere Topping
A comforting and creamy pasta bake featuring tender asparagus, smoky ham, and a crispy Gruyere cheese topping. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the butter and onion mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in warmed milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until sauce thickens, about 7 minutes. Add Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water. Drain well.
- Combine cooked pasta, ham, asparagus, shredded mozzarella, and creamy sauce in a large bowl or directly in the baking dish. Stir gently to coat evenly.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle grated Gruyere cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.