Imagine a dish that combines the ultimate comfort of creamy pasta, the savory punch of ham, and the nutritious crunch of broccoli—all baked to golden, cheesy perfection. This Creamy Shells with Broccoli and Ham is not just a meal; it's a culinary hug that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight meal or a home cook craving something deliciously satisfying, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz large pasta shells
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the large pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as shells will continue cooking in the oven.
- While pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. You can use a steamer basket or microwave with a small amount of water.
- Drain the pasta shells in a colander and return them to the pot. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, diced ham, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix to combine all ingredients.
- Fold in the steamed broccoli florets and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to avoiding mushy shells is to slightly undercook them during the initial boiling, as they'll continue cooking in the oven.
- Steam broccoli just right: Keep broccoli bright green and tender-crisp by steaming for only 3-4 minutes to preserve nutrients and texture.
- Cheese distribution matters: Mix half the cheese into the mixture and sprinkle the rest on top for maximum flavor and that irresistible golden-brown crust.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
- Customize your creation: Feel free to swap ham for chicken, or use different cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences. Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before the final bake for a delightful crispy texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
