BOW TIE PASTA WITH HAM AND PEAS

Bow Tie Pasta with Ham and Peas image

Provided by Anita Hoffman

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 13

12 oz bow tie pasta, about 3 cups, cooked and drained
1-1/2 to 2 c frozen peas
4 Tbsp butter
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic
5 Tbsp flour
3 c milk
2 c diced ham
2-1/2 c cheddar cheese, shredded
TOPPING
1-1/2 c bread crumbs
2 Tbsp melted butter

Steps:

1. When cooking pasta, add the frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking time and add 2 minutes to the cooking time. Drain the peas and pasta together and rinse with hot water.
2. In a saute pan, melt 4 tbsp. of butter. Add the green onions, parsley, and garlic; cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add the flour and cook stirring for 1 minute. Stir in the milk and cook, stirring until thickened. Add the ham and 2 cups of the shredded cheese and cook, stirring, until cheese is melted and the sauce is hot and bubbly.
3. Add the drained pasta and peas to the sauce, mixing well and heating through.
4. Spoon into a greased 3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the Cheddar cheese.
5. Combine the bread crumbs and melted butter and toss to blend thoroughly. Sprinkle over the shredded cheese layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, until crumbs are browned and the casserole is hot and bubbly.