HAM AND CHEESE ZITI

2 1/2 cups uncooked ziti pasta (9 ounces)
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded Colby cheese (8 ounces)
4 ounces sliced cooked deli ham, cut into thin strips
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.

While pasta is cooking, melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Cook garlic in margarine 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Stir in flour and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in mustard and Colby cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.

Stir pasta and ham into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Makes 6 servings
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe booklet: Weeknight Pasta and Rice, Betty Crocker Recipe Magazine #143, October 1998