Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Tender pasta and diced ham folded into a creamy three-cheese sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. A comforting, budget-friendly bake that's perfect for using up leftover ham.
By Mia HartwellUpdated September 23, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Creamy three-cheese pasta with savory ham
- A perfect use for leftover ham
- Budget-friendly and feeds six
- Comforting and family-approved
Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
45 min totalServes 6
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 540kcal
- Protein
- 28g
- Carbs
- 52g
- Fat
- 24g
- Fiber
- 2g
- Sugar
- 6g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta 1 minute short of al dente, then drain.
- 2
In a large pot, melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and simmer 4-5 minutes until thickened.
- 3
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of the cheese, the Parmesan, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 4
Fold in the pasta and diced ham, then transfer to a baking dish.
- 5
Top with the remaining cheese.
- 6
Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden. Rest 5 minutes and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Undercook the pasta by a minute since it finishes in the oven.
- Shred the cheese yourself for the smoothest sauce.
- Ham is already salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
- A little mustard powder cuts the richness and deepens the cheese flavor.
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How to Cook Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Par-cook the pasta
Boil the pasta a minute short of al dente since it bakes again and absorbs sauce. A slightly firm pasta finishes with the perfect bite instead of turning mushy.
Make a smooth cheese sauce
Build a bechamel — butter and flour cooked into a roux, then milk whisked in until thick — and melt the cheese off the boil so it stays silky. A touch of mustard powder balances the richness.
Combine, top, and bake
Fold the pasta and ham into the sauce, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbling and golden. A short rest lets it set so each scoop holds together.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of milk. The assembled bake freezes well for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
This ham and cheese pasta bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good way to use leftover ham?+
Absolutely — it's perfect for leftover holiday ham. Just dice and fold it in.
Can I add vegetables?+
Yes — stir in peas, broccoli, or spinach for color and nutrition.
Can I make it ahead?+
Yes — assemble, refrigerate up to a day, and bake (adding a few minutes from cold).
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