Recipe: Baked Ziti with Ham and Cheese

Baked Ziti with Ham and Cheese
rec.food.cooking/Ari&Dave (2000)
Source: Wednesday is Spaghetti and Macaroni and Fettuccine and Pasta Salads and More
Serves 4

1/2 pound ziti or other short, tubular pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 cups low-fat milk
2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 pound baked or boiled ham, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
pinch of paprika

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter a shallow baking dish.

In a large pot of boiling water, cook the pasta until almost al dente according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the
mixture is bubbly, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the milk to blend well.

Return the pan to the heat and cook, stirring, until the sauce is slightly thickened. Add 3 tablespoons of the Cheddar and stir until melted. Stir in the salt and pepper.

Drain the pasta well and return it to the pasta cooking pot. Add the cream sauce and the ham, and toss well to combine.

Spread a layer of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a dusting of paprika and a layer of the Cheddar. Repeat layering, ending with the Cheddar. Dot with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and bake for 25 - 30 minutes, or until bubbling.

Variation: For the spicy food lovers in your family, try this simple baked pasta with pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. And, for an extra flavor twist, replace the ham with smoked turkey.