Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This mouthwatering Baked Pasta with Peas and Ham is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine pulling a bubbling, golden-brown dish out of the oven, filled with tender pasta, savory ham, sweet peas, and three types of melted cheese - it's comfort food that looks like it came straight from an Italian grandmother's kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the oven is hot enough to bake the pasta evenly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, the grated Parmesan cheese, and the Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. Add the cooked ham and frozen peas to the pot with the drained pasta.
- Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta, ham, and peas. Gently fold the mixture together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even baking.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Baked Pasta with Peas and Ham!
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven and you don't want mushy noodles.
- Use fresh, high-quality cheeses for the best flavor - pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or some red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep - it reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
