Recipe: Baked Rigatoni and Ham with Four Cheeses

BAKED RIGATONI AND HAM WITH FOUR CHEESES

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided use
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
8 ounces rigatoni, uncooked
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 ounces diced cooked ham
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Provolone cheese
1/2 cup shredded Fontina cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add bread crumbs, and toss well. Set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain well. Set aside, and keep warm.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in salt and pepper. Add ham and cheeses, stirring until cheeses melt.

Add cooked pasta to cheese mixture; stir well. Pour into a buttered 2-quart baking dish.

Cover and bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Uncover and sprinkle with bread crumb mixture. Bake 7 additional minutes or until golden.

Servings: 4
From: Mrs. Dan West
Source: Simply Irresistible by The Junior Auxiliary of Conway, Arkansas