Introduction
Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this rotini pasta casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Combining tender pasta with rich cheese sauce and savory ham, it’s a delightful meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
16 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and drained
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
2½ cups milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups diced ham
Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
To make this delicious casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, then whisk in the flour until it bubbles and turns golden. Gradually stir in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and combine the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and 1 cup of cheese.
Layer the cooked pasta with diced ham in the greased baking dish, then pour the cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese, followed by a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter. Bake until bubbly and golden brown for a delightful meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook 16 ounces of rotini pasta following the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan, place ¼ cup of butter over medium-low heat. Allow the butter to fully melt.
Step 4: Combine Butter and Flour
Once the butter is melted, add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to the saucepan. Stir the mixture continuously until it begins to brown slightly and bubble.
Step 5: Add Milk and Thicken
Gradually pour in 2½ cups of milk while stirring continuously. Continue to cook until the mixture reaches a simmer and thickens.
Step 6: Flavor the Sauce
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Spread the cooked pasta evenly across the prepared baking dish. Top the pasta with 2 cups of diced ham, distributing it evenly.
Step 8: Add Cheese Sauce
Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and ham. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
Step 9: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted salted butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 10: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The casserole is done when the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Notes
Leftovers Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use either the oven or microwave. If the pasta appears dry upon reheating, consider adding a little milk to restore moisture.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
Making a Roux
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, add flour, and stir for a few minutes until the mixture bubbles and turns a light brown color. This forms the base for a creamy sauce.
Creating a Cheese Sauce
Slowly add milk to the roux while continuously stirring. Cook the mixture until it thickens and simmers. Remove from heat and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and cheese until smooth.
Layering Ingredients
In a baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, followed by diced ham. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Preparing the Topping
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated, then sprinkle this mixture over the assembled casserole for added crunch.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the casserole until bubbly and the topping is golden brown, approximately 30 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the sharp cheddar cheese with other cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend according to your preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time if cooking from cold.
What can I serve with this dish?
This casserole pairs well with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
How do I avoid pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta to al dente and avoid overcooking it before mixing it with the sauce, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Conclusion
This creamy rotini pasta casserole with ham and cheddar cheese is a delightful dish that combines comforting flavors with a satisfying texture. The bubbly cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping make it a perfect choice for family dinners or potluck gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures that it’s both accessible and delicious, making it a sure hit for any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Option
Substitute the diced ham with sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Replace the diced ham with cooked and shredded chicken and add steamed broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Tex-Mex Variation
Incorporate diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn along with taco seasoning instead of mustard for a spicy twist.
Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Add shredded buffalo chicken in place of the ham and mix in some hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a zesty flavor.
Seafood Delight
Use cooked shrimp or crab meat instead of ham for a rich seafood variation that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Herb Infusion
Enhance the flavor by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the cheese sauce for an aromatic touch.
Mac and Cheese Twist
Transform this recipe into a classic mac and cheese by using elbow macaroni and adding different cheese varieties such as mozzarella and gouda.
