Potato and Ham Pasta Bake
You will need:
- 300g penne
- 100g sliced kale
- 40g fresh white breadcrumbs
- 250g leg ham, fat removed, torn into small pieces
- 160g roast potatoes, chopped
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 20g Parmesan, grated
For the cheese sauce
- 40g butter
- 40g plain flour
- 600ml milk
- 120g reduced-fat Cheddar or Tasty cheese, grated
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 First, make the cheese sauce: melt the butter in a pan, sprinkle over the flour and mix with a wooden spoon. Cook for 1 min, stirring. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously, until smooth. Bring to a bubble and cook for 2-3 mins until thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. Remove from the heat, add the cheese and mustard, season and stir well.
2 Meanwhile, cook the pasta for 9 mins in a large pan of boiling water, adding the kale for the last 2-3 mins. Drain well and return to the pan. Mix the Parmesan with the breadcrumbs; set aside. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan forced).
3 Add the cheese sauce to the pasta along with the chopped ham, and potatoes. Mix to coat everything well, then spoon into a 2L ovenproof dish. Top with the cheesy breadcrumbs and dot over the tomatoes (cut-side up).
4 Bake for 20-25 mins until piping hot with a crisp topping. Remove from the oven and let stand for a couple of mins, then serve with a green salad, if you like.