Baked Pasta Primavera
A hearty baked pasta dish featuring fresh broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, ham, and a crunchy bread crumb topping, perfect for family dinners and loved by all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups grated Parmesan or Romano cheese ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup diced baked ham or prosciutto ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Italian-style bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a large baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse.
- Toss cooked pasta with olive oil.
- Spoon the pasta into a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- Add diced baked ham and broccoli florets to the cheese sauce.
- Combine the sauce with the pasta in the bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese and Italian-style bread crumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream to the cheese sauce. You can substitute elbow macaroni with penne or fusilli for a different shape. If you're looking to add more veggies, bell peppers or zucchini work well. For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add more broccoli or other vegetables. This dish also pairs beautifully with Pork 'N' Bean Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked pasta primavera with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread makes a delightful side, and a sprinkle of extra cheese on top right before serving adds a nice touch. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Old Fashioned Potato for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Pasta Primavera contains roughly 926 calories, with 12g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (38% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta and cheese sauce in advance, then combine them and store them in the baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven for baking.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan, Romano cheese is an excellent substitute due to its similar flavor profile. You can also use mozzarella for a milder taste or a combination of cheeses to achieve a unique flavor. Just ensure the cheese is grated for even melting.
Can I freeze baked pasta primavera?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly with aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and bake as directed until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).