Broccoli Cheddar Ham Pasta Casserole

Broccoli cheddar casserole with ham in a dish.

Broccoli Cheddar Ham Pasta Casserole

This Broccoli Cheddar Ham Pasta Casserole recipe is one of my hands-down favorite healthier dinner ideas! With 42 grams of protein, it's hearty, filling, and SO good. Even my picky kids love this one! The creamy sauce is flavorful and goes over protein pasta, roasted broccoli, and diced ham. The whole thing is baked in a casserole dish topped with cheese and your choice of breadcrumbs for a dinner recipe the entire family will love!

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 469kcal

Author Christine McMichael

Equipment

9x13" Casserole Dish

Ingredients

3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
1 Tablespoon avocado oil
12 ounces diced ham
12 ounces protein pasta
16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup pasta water
breadcrumbs optional, for topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place broccoli on a sheet pan with oil and a pinch of salt (to taste), then roast for 15-20 minutes.
Once the broccoli is done, remove from the oven and lower the heat to 350 degrees F.
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.
In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, milk, salt/pepper, and garlic and blend until smooth.
Pour the blended sauce into a non-stick skillet and warm over low heat.
Meanwhile, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooked pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Add the pasta water to the sauce and 1/2 of the cheddar cheese, then stir until it melts.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
Turn off the heat and stir the pasta continuously in the sauce for 1-2 minutes allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and thicken. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Stir in the roasted broccoli and diced ham.
Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake for 10-15 minutes and enjoy!

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