Creamy baked pasta with peas and ham au gratin

Name: Creamy baked pasta with peas and ham au gratin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 8 oz short pasta; 5 oz diced cooked ham ( about 1 cup); 1 cup frozen peas; 4,5 oz mozzarella cheese ( about 1 cup diced); ½ small onion (about ¼ cup chopped); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Olive oil to taste; Black pepper to taste; Salt to taste; 1¼ cups milk; 2 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp flour; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Nutmeg to taste

vote now

Main Dish

Very Easy

40 min

686 Kcal

Baked pasta with peas and ham is a comforting Italian classic. This creamy dish stands out for its rich texture, combining velvety and creamy béchamel sauce with melted stringy mozzarella cheese, all finished with a delicious parmesan gratin crust. Inspired by traditional creamy baked pasta, this recipe pairs tender pasta with the delicate sweetness of peas and a crispy golden crust. A simple and irresistible meal that brings warmth and flavor to the table.

Materials

Baking dish 23x15 cm/9x6 inches
Saucepan
Whisk
Knife
Saucepan

Preparation

Preparation20 min

Cook time20 min

Peel the onion and chop it finely with a knife.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Combine the flour and stir with a whisk to make a lump-free roux.
Pour in hot milk a little at a time while stirring. Cook until smooth and creamy bechamel, then season with salt and pepper and add nutmeg. Set aside.
Heat a frying pan with oil. Add chopped onion and wilt gently. Add frozen peas and cook 5-6 minutes, stirring often.
Then add the diced cooked ham and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes so that all the ingredients are seasoned. Adjust for salt and pepper.
Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Bring plenty of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the indicated time. Drain, saving some of the cooking water.
Pour the pasta into a large bowl and add the pea and ham seasoning. Stir well.
Add the remaining béchamel sauce, half the cubed mozzarella, and some of the parmesan cheese (keeping some for the surface). Stir and add a little cooking water if needed.
Transfer the seasoned pasta to the baking dish a little at a time and level well.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on the surface to make a golden gratin.
Bake in a preheated ventilated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 to 22 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve the baked pasta with peas and ham piping hot.

Rate this recipe

Excellent !!! Very good Good so so Not good

FAQ ❓

How do you store leftover baked pasta?

Leftover baked pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. To restore its creamy texture when reheating, warm it in the oven and add a few tablespoons of milk or béchamel sauce on top before heating.

How do you keep baked pasta creamy and prevent it from drying out?

To keep baked pasta creamy, avoid baking it for too long or at a temperature that is too high. Always follow the temperature recommended in the recipe and limit the baking time. This helps the pasta retain moisture and keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.

What type of pasta works best for baked pasta with peas and ham?

Short pasta shapes work best for baked pasta because they hold the sauce well. Fusilli are a great option, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, tortiglioni, or mezze maniche. These shapes trap the béchamel and sauce, making the baked pasta richer and more flavorful.

Can you prepare baked pasta ahead of time?

Yes, baked pasta can easily be prepared in advance. Assemble the dish a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. When ready to serve, simply bake or reheat it in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, fresh peas can be used instead of frozen ones. Simply blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce. This ensures they become tender and cook evenly in the oven. If using fresh peas, the assembled dish can also be frozen before baking and cooked later when needed.

What ingredient substitutions can I make for baked pasta with peas and ham?

This baked pasta recipe is easy to customize. You can replace cooked ham with diced pancetta, speck, or salami. You can also change the vegetables by using zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant instead of peas for different flavor variations.

How do you get a crispy golden crust on baked pasta?

For a perfectly golden crust, sprinkle plenty of grated Parmesan cheese or a mixture of Parmesan and breadcrumbs over the top before baking. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil or grill mode during the last few minutes of cooking to create an evenly browned gratin.

Nutrition

for 1 serving / for 100 g

Calories: 686Kcal

Carbo: 64.1g
Total fat: 27.3g
Saturated fat: 13.7g
Proteins: 41.8g
Fibers: 5.5g
Sugar: 9g
ProPoints: 18
SmartPoints: 22

Nutritional information for 1 serving (348g)

Cookware

oven

burner

Attributes

Keep refrigerated

PetitChef_Official

Questions

Photos of members who cooked this recipe

Post your photo of this recipe

Daniele Mainieri

Every day I immerse myself in the world of cooking, looking for new recipes and flavors to share: from grandma's dish to the latest food trends. I have been working in food communication for over 10 years!

Comments

Rate this recipe:

Excellent !!! Very good Good so so Not good

Ingredients

Béchamel sauce:

Materials