Creamy Baked Pasta With Ham & Veggie

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked pasta recipe! Loaded with veggies, ham, and melted cheese, it’s an easy, mouth-watering dish perfect for any meal.

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a homemade creamy baked pasta. This tasty ham pasta bake, bursting with tender penne pasta, a medley of colorful vegetables, savory smoked ham, and a rich, cheesy sauce, is pure comfort with every bite. Whether you are gathering with family or looking for a hearty weeknight meal, this creamy pasta bake is bound to be a hit.

Creamy baked pasta is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and savory, combining smoky ham with fresh veggies and gooey cheese. The combination creates a soul-satisfying dish that not only tastes amazing but also offers a wonderful culinary experience. The best part is its versatility and ease of preparation, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

How to make creamy baked pasta

Ingredients you’ll need

• Penne pasta: This type of pasta is known for its short, cylindrical shape and angled ends. It’s the perfect choice for this dish as it captures and holds onto the creamy sauce, creating a delicious bite every time.
• Vegetable oil: This neutral-tasting oil works well for sautéing the vegetables and adding moisture to the dish.
• Onion: Used extensively in cooking, onions provide a savory base flavor to dishes. They add depth and texture to this recipe.
• Red long pepper: Also known as sweet red peppers, these vibrant vegetables add color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness to balance out the other flavors in this dish.
• Cousa squash (or zucchini): These mild-tasting, versatile squash are a great source of vitamins A and C. They add a delicate flavor and texture to this pasta bake.
• Mushrooms: Deliciously earthy and tender when sautéed, mushrooms add depth of flavor to this dish. Choose your favorite variety or mix it up for extra flavor.
• Peas and carrots mix: This classic combination adds a pop of color and natural sweetness to the creamy tomato sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Known for its strong, pungent taste, garlic adds bold flavor to dishes. In this recipe, smashed garlic cloves provide just the right amount of garlic essence without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Tomato sauce: Made from fresh or canned tomatoes, this sauce provides a rich, tangy flavor to the dish. It’s the base for the creamy sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Dry basil and thyme: These herbs add an earthy, slightly sweet taste to the dish. When dried, they provide a more concentrated flavor compared to their fresh counterparts.
• Salt and black pepper: Used together in many recipes, these two ingredients enhance all other flavors and bring balance to dishes.
• Smoked ham: This savory meat adds a delicious smoky element to this pasta bake. It pairs perfectly with the veggies and cheese in this recipe.
• Sour cream: A key ingredient in creating the creamy texture of this dish, sour cream also adds tanginess and a touch of richness.
• Provolone (or mozzarella cheese): These cheeses are great for melting, making them perfect for this recipe. They add gooey, cheesy goodness to every bite.

Substitutes

• Pasta: Feel free to swap out penne for any other short pasta of your choice, such as rigatoni, rotini or fusilli.
• Squash and zucchini: If you can’t find cousa squash, regular zucchini works just as well in this recipe.
• Mushrooms: You can use any type of fresh mushrooms you have on hand, such as button, cremini, or portobello.
• Peas and carrots mix: Frozen mixed vegetables are a great substitute if you can’t find fresh peas and carrots. You can even add some broccoli florets for extra color and nutrition.
• Smoked ham: If you prefer, you can use other types of deli meats, such as turkey or chicken, in place of smoked ham.
• Sour cream: For a healthier option, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt. It will still provide the creamy texture but with less fat.

Equipment

• Large Non-Stick Skillet or pan: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the ham.
• Bamboo Spoon and Spatula: Great for mixing without scratching your cookware.
• Bamboo Cutting Board: Provides a sturdy surface for preparing veggies.
• Kitchen Knife: Sharp and reliable for chopping.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing the pasta and sauce.
• Large Baking or Casserole Dish: To accommodate the entire dish for baking.

Instructions to cook creamy baked pasta

Preparations

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the penne pasta al dente as instructed on the package.

Cooking

1. While the pasta cooks, dice and slice the vegetables.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and sauté the onions until slightly soft.
3. Stir in the red pepper, cousa squash, and mushrooms. Sauté until they are slightly soft.
4. Add the peas and carrots mix and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Incorporate the smashed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant.
6. Pour in the tomato sauce, and season with dry basil, thyme, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat.
7. In another skillet, cook the smoked ham until slightly brown.

Assembly

1. Drain the cooked pasta and place it in a large bowl.
2. Pour the vegetable-tomato mixture over the pasta, add the ham, and mix well.
3. Fold in the sour cream until well combined.
4. Add 2 cups of grated provolone cheese and mix.
5. Transfer the mixture into a large baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the tomato sauce. It enhances the smoky taste of the ham and adds a subtle depth to the dish.

Make sure to layer the cheese on top evenly to ensure a perfectly melty and golden-brown crust.

Sprinkle some parmesan cheese when serving for added flavors and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or fresh thyme for color.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and add more veggies like spinach and bell peppers.
2. Chicken or beef Pasta Bake: Substitute ham with cooked, shredded chicken or ground beef.
3. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Seafood Twist: Replace ham with cooked shrimp for a seafood delight.

What to Serve With

• Garlic bread chips: A classic companion to any pasta dish.
• Simple Salad: Crisp and refreshing, balancing the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Easy and nutritious.
• Coleslaw: Adds a cool, crunchy contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta bake in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, bake it for 25-30 minutes.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta is a great alternative if you have dietary restrictions.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tang and creaminess. Heavy cream can also be used, but it may make the dish richer and heavier.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover creamy baked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Leftovers can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Pasta Recipes You’ll Enjoy

• Veggie loaded spaghetti sauce
• Milk pasta soup
• Tomato chickpea pasta
• Creamy macaroni salad
• Mediterranean style spaghetti cake
• Cheesy spaghetti bake
• Creamy cheesy baked tortellini

Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests. If you need to scale up, simply double the ingredient quantities and use a larger baking dish.

I hope you enjoy this creamy baked pasta recipe and feel confident in switching up ingredients or making substitutions to make it your own. Thank you for choosing this delicious and easy-to-make creamy baked pasta dish.

And if you loved it, please let me know in the comments below, share it on social media, and sign up for my newsletter to get more delicious recipes straight to your inbox!

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Creamy Baked Pasta With Ham And Vegetables

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with a creamy baked pasta loaded with veggies, ham, and melted cheese. Perfect for any meal!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, European, Italian

Keyword: creamy baked pasta, creamy pasta bake, ham pasta bake

Servings: 6

Calories: 711kcal

Author: Petro Neagu

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Ingredients

• 3 cups penne pasta uncooked
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 1 large red long pepper
• 1 large cousa squash or zucchini
• 2 cups fresh mushrooms sliced
• 1 cup peas and carrots mix frozen
• 4 large garlic cloves smashed
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 2 tsp dry basil
• 2 tsp dry thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup smoked ham cooked
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 4 cups provolone cheese or mozzarella, grated

Equipment

• Large Non-Stick Skillet
• Bamboo Spoon and Spatula
• bamboo cutting board
• kitchen knife
• large bowl
• Large Baking Dish

Instructions

• Pre heat oven to 375 F. Cook pasta as instructed on the package
• Meanwhile dice and slice vegetables.
• Heat oil in a skillet and saute onions until slightly soft.
• Add the rest of the veggie, except for the peas and carrots (if using frozen, add those too) Saute until slightly soft then add carrots and peas and saute for 2 minutes.
  
• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until garlic is fragrant.
• Add tomato sauce salt, pepper basil, thyme and mix well. Remove skillet from oven.
  
• In a non stick skillet, cook smoked ham until slightly brown.
  
• When pasta is cooked, drain well and place in the skillet or a large bowl (I used the skillet).
• Pour the tomato vegetable sauce over then add ham and mix well.
  
• Fold sour cream in using a bamboo spatula.
• Add 2 cups cheese and mix well.
  
• Place all in a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese over.
  
• Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 711kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 1616mg | Potassium: 903mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3549IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 750mg | Iron: 3mg

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