This creamy pasta bake with ham is the ultimate comfort food. It's incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and smoky ham creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a potluck, this hearty dish will surely impress. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined and the cheese is melted.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Pasta bake is a popular American comfort food that can be customized with various ingredients.
Using condensed cream of mushroom soup adds rich flavor and creaminess to the dish.
The addition of dried thyme gives a subtle herbaceous note to the pasta bake.
Leftovers of this dish can be easily reheated and enjoyed the next day.