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Pasta and Ham Gratin

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

Creamy pasta casserole with ham and cheese. 20 minutes preparation, 20 minutes baking time. A popular family recipe for 4 servings.
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Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:26:30 GMT
Pasta and Ham Gratin - Simple Pasta Casserole Pin it
Pasta and Ham Gratin - Simple Pasta Casserole | magichouserecipes.com

A creamy pasta bake combines al dente cooked pasta with savory ham and a velvety cream sauce for a classic family meal. The golden cheese crust and creamy filling make it the perfect comfort dish.

Our Basic Ingredients

  • Pasta: Satisfying base
  • Cooked ham: For flavor
  • Cream: Creaminess
  • Parmesan: Flavor intensity
  • Cheese: Crispy crust
Pasta Ham Gratin – Quick, Savory and Delicious Pin it
Pasta Ham Gratin – Quick, Savory and Delicious | magichouserecipes.com

Perfect Preparation

Prepare pasta
  • Cook pasta al dente
  • Finely chop onions and garlic
  • Dice ham
Develop sauce
  • Sauté onions and ham
  • Whisk cream with eggs and seasonings
Complete the bake
  • Layer everything in the baking dish
  • Sprinkle with cheese
  • Bake until golden brown

Storage

  • Keeps in refrigerator for up to 2 days
  • Add cream when reheating

This classic pasta bake is perfect proof that simple dishes can be absolutely delicious.

Creative Variations

  • Different types of pasta
  • Try cheese mixes
  • Mix in vegetables like broccoli
  • Season with mustard or paprika
Pasta Ham Gratin – Classic, Creamy Pasta Bake Pin it
Pasta Ham Gratin – Classic, Creamy Pasta Bake | magichouserecipes.com

Side Dish Combinations

  • Crispy green salad
  • Tomato salad with onions
  • Cucumber salad with yogurt
  • Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting

  • Too dry: Use more sauce
  • Too liquid: Extend baking time
  • Pasta too soft: Reduce cooking time
  • Cheese not browned: Use broiler function

This hearty bake is an ideal family dish that always impresses with its creamy sauce and crispy cheese crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like tortiglioni, penne or rigatoni. They hold the sauce well and are easy to portion.
→ Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and store in the refrigerator. Increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.
→ What cheese works best for topping?
Gouda, Emmental or gratin cheese. The main thing is that it melts well and turns a nice golden brown.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
→ How does the casserole get especially creamy?
Through the combination of cream and egg yolk. Don't pre-cook the pasta for too long.

Creamy Pasta and Ham Gratin

Classic pasta casserole with ham in creamy cheese sauce. A simple recipe that the whole family will love.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-German fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base ingredients

01 300g pasta (tortiglioni or your favorite tube pasta)
02 200g cooked ham, cut into small cubes
03 1 medium onion, finely diced
04 1 garlic clove, minced

→ Creamy sauce

05 1 tablespoon butter
06 250g heavy cream
07 2 medium egg yolks
08 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 1 teaspoon vegetable bouillon powder
10 150g grated cheese (a mix of mozzarella and cheddar works well)
11 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Meanwhile, finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the ham into small, bite-sized cubes.

Step 02

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cubed ham and sauté briefly just to warm through and release flavor.

Step 03

In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolks, grated Parmesan, and vegetable bouillon powder. Season generously with black pepper, a little salt (the ham and cheese are already salty), and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.

Step 04

Drain the pasta and add it to a greased baking dish. Mix in the ham and onion mixture, then pour the cream sauce over everything, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Notes

  1. This is a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters tend to love.
  2. The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking - just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches)
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Large pot for cooking pasta

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (pasta)
  • Contains dairy (cream, butter, cheese)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 606
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 28 g