Broccoli Ham Mac and Cheese
An easily prepared mac and cheese with ham and broccoli and a chance to make it with more smokey flavor if desired, perfect recipe for leftover holiday ham or a great reason to buy ham to make and enjoy this simple meal.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta elbows or rotini or favorite pasta shape
- 1 lb ham diced
- 1 lb broccoli florets sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced/paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika if you don't prefer a smiley flavor.
- 1-3 teaspoons chicken bouillon or seasoned salt black pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese or swiss cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to the package directions, the broccoli will cook the last few minutes in the same pot, when the pasta is almost done cooking.
- (Cook broccoli in the pasta water for the last 1-2 minutes for small pieces and larger florets 3-4 minutes) cook to desired tenderness)
- Drain the pasta with broccoli in a colander when finished cooking to the desired doneness.
- In the pot, place 2 tablespoons butter with ham along with onion, garlic, and paprika, and cook for 1 minute while stirring. (brown the ham longer for more flavor)
- add in the chicken bouillon and flour and whisk in the milk slowly developing a creamy sauce.
- Add in cheese and stir until smooth.
- Add in the past and broccoli, and turn off the burner.
- Stir to coat the pasta and broccoli in the cheese sauce.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.