Pasta And Ham Mornay
Creamy pasta with ham and vegetables, featuring a flavorful Swiss cheese sauce, perfect for a quick, comforting meal that appeals to the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked penne or mostaccioli pasta ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced zucchini
- 2/3 cup frozen peas ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons sliced green onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons flour ⓘ
- 1 cup evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 8 ounces low-fat boiled ham ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions, rinse with warm water, and drain. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat.
- Add the sliced green onions and cook until tender.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the evaporated skim milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add the shredded Swiss cheese, parsley, dried basil, and pepper; stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, zucchini, frozen peas, ham strips, and sauce.
- Mix well and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream alongside the evaporated skim milk. If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella can be used as substitutes. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can enhance the flavor. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein variation.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta And Ham Mornay pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For an elevated touch, garnish with additional parsley or chives before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk can help maintain creaminess during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Ham Mornay contains roughly 950 calories, with 33g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and protein (66% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the penne or mostaccioli with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and add more vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also increase the amount of cheese for added flavor and richness.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. Additionally, serving with a side of Aunt Susan'S 'Chili Sauce' can provide a spicy kick that complements the dish well.
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).