Macaroni Baked With Mushrooms, Ham And Cheese
Creamy baked macaroni with sautéed mushrooms, ham, and cheeses offers a rich, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests craving hearty flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- unsalted butter for the baking dish ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh creminis ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh shiitakes ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt
- 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour ⓘ
- pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 10 oz. medium-sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 10 oz. Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 lb. dried penne rigate ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. smoked ham
- 10 oz. frozen peas ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Add the quartered cremini and shiitake mushrooms, season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper; cover and cook, tossing once or twice, until mushrooms release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mushrooms to a strainer set over a bowl to drain excess liquid.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt remaining butter, whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add a pinch of grated nutmeg, and stir in grated Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta, mushrooms, diced ham, and thawed peas in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Transfer to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried bread crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce. If you don't have Monterey Jack, you can substitute with Gouda or Gruyère. Use frozen peas directly from the freezer to save time; no need to thaw. For added flavor, sauté some garlic with the mushrooms or incorporate a splash of white wine into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside grilled chicken or beef. A light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the macaroni. For a comforting side, consider offering a bowl of Corn And Bean Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Baked With Mushrooms, Ham And Cheese contains roughly 1066 calories, with 28g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (66% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1869mg per serving (81% 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 use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute penne rigate with other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to achieve the perfect al dente texture before mixing with the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the smoked ham and replace it with sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach. You can also add more mushrooms for depth of flavor. This will create a hearty vegetarian version without compromising taste.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni mixture and cheese sauce a day ahead. Simply combine everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven for the best results.
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).