PEPIN'S PENNE, HAM AND VEGETABLE GRATIN

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Pepin's Penne, Ham and Vegetable Gratin image

I have fallen in love with Jacques Pepin. His recipes, whether complicated or incredibly simple, like this one, always turn out perfect. I've tweaked it a little (forgive me, Jacques) to satisfy my teenager, who has requested this for her "birthday dinner." It's easy, inexpensive, and very satisfying. A real comfort food for us

Provided by SheCooksToConquer

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 23m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 3/4 cups penne (about 5 ounces)
1 1/2 cups diced ham (honey ham is delicious in this)
3/4 cup corn (about one ear, frozen works just fine)
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 1/2 cups zucchini, 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 cup grated cheese (we prefer Gruyere, but any you like will work)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Boil about 2 quarts of water. Add penne and cook about 12 minutes until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and cool under cold water.
  • Put cooked penne into a large bowl and stir in the ham, corn, peas, zucchini and cheese.
  • Make the White Sauce:.
  • Melt butter in saucepan, add the flour, and whisk it together until smooth.
  • Add the milk and bring to a boil, stirring a bit. The sauce should thicken.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cream. Let it cool until lukewarm.
  • Heat the broiler. Add the sauce to the penne and vegetables, and place in a shallow baking dish that can hold about 6 cups.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Broil about 4 inches from the heat until the top is lightly browned (about 6 to 8 minutes).
  • Serve immediately.
  • NOTE: Pepin says you can make this ahead of time up to adding the Parmesan. It will keep, covered, at room temperature for a few hours, or up to a day in the fridge before finishing in the oven, so it's a great make-ahead dish. If refrigerated, just bring it back to room temp and bake at 425 for about 30 minutes.
  • SECOND NOTE: Don't let this sit in the oven after it's finished or it will become gooey.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 622.4, Fat 31.7, SaturatedFat 18.2, Cholesterol 116.2, Sodium 1142.2, Carbohydrate 59.5, Fiber 7.3, Sugar 2.8, Protein 27.9

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