Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Bake 🥦🧀

This hearty and comforting casserole is a family favorite, bringing together the savory goodness of ham, the vibrant crunch of broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It's the perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering! Pair it with a crisp garden salad for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

For the bake

• 14 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups diced fully cooked ham
• 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1/2 cup milk
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn't stick.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

🔥 Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it holds up well in the bake and doesn't get mushy in the oven!

3. Thaw the broccoli in the microwave until it's soft enough to break apart into small pieces.

4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the diced ham in the hot oil until the edges start to brown (about 10 minutes). Add the broccoli and stir until any excess water has evaporated and both the ham and broccoli are hot.

5. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and milk, stirring to combine. Season with ground black pepper to taste. Gently fold in the cooked pasta until everything is well-coated with the sauce.

6. Transfer the bubbling pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.

7. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbling, approximately 30 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

🥄 If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking for a flavorful kick!

🧊 For a cooler twist, you can add a handful of frozen peas along with the broccoli for added color and sweetness.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap ham for more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a delicious plant-based version.
• Low-carb: Use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a lighter, keto-friendly dish.
• Extra cheesy: Add a layer of mozzarella cheese in addition to Colby-Monterey Jack for a cheesier, stretchier topping.

This Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Bake is sure to become a staple in your home, combining convenience and flavor with every bite! Enjoy! 🍽️✨