Ham and Shells Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic *Ham and Shells Casserole*, a family-friendly dish that combines tender pasta shells, smoky diced ham, and a velvety homemade cheese sauce. This casserole features a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, seasoned with garlic and onion powders for a rich and savory profile. Topped with crispy, golden panko breadcrumbs infused with parsley, it's baked to perfection for a satisfying blend of creamy and crunchy textures. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Serve it fresh out of the oven for a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Medium pasta shells
• 2 cups Cooked ham
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Dried parsley
• 1 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 10

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy Ham and Shells Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1827.5 grams (1827.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4396

Total Fat 233.40g	299%
Saturated Fat 128.90g	645%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.90g
Cholesterol 868mg	289%
Sodium 11101mg	483%
Total Carbohydrate 332.10g	121%
Dietary Fiber 14.00g	50%
Total Sugars 37.50g
Protein 246.10g	492%

Vitamin D 263IU	1314%
Calcium 2818mg	217%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 2948mg	63%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.6%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 30.1%