Recipe: Ham & Cheese Bowties

I absolutely love macaroni and cheese - it's my kryptonite. When I'm sick - I want mac & cheese, when I'm sad - I want mac & cheese, when I'm cranky - I want mac & cheese. So many times though - I choose the blue box - I know - I can't help it - it's so good! But I'm trying to cook more - so I found a recipe I had to try - for Ham & Cheese Bowties. 

 Looks good - right? And it was much simpler than I thought it would be! Not as easy as a tear open packet - but still simple and tasty!

The ingredients are pretty simple - pasta, butter, garlic, flour, milk, mustard, cheese and ham. Put it all together and cheesy goodness is sure to happen!

I cooked my noodles and tossed the ham in so that was all ready for the sauce. Then you saute the butter & garlic, add in the flour, then quickly (but slowly - if that makes sense) add in the milk. This part is key - you need to focus and you need a whisk. Taking photos is not suggested - I did it - but man it was sketchy! Once that is thick and saucy, then you whisk in the mustard & cheese - and you're ready to pour on your pasta & ham! That sauce is so creamy! Yum!

 Looks great doesn't it!?! Then you just grate a little Parmesan or Romano over the top and bake. It doesn't need to bake long - just enough to bring it all together.

I couldn't help but dig right in - the sauce was so creamy and cheesy - and the ham was a wonderful compliment! Plus I had leftovers for work all week! This was enough for an 8x8 baking dish.

Ham & Cheese Bowties

Ingredients

• 8 oz farfalle pasta
• 1/8 c. butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/8 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 c. milk
• 1/4 tsp prepared mustard
• 1.5 c. shredded Colby cheese
• 1 c. cooked ham, cubed
• 1/8 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta & cook 8-10 minutes or until al dente, drain.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Saute garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour, salt & pepper. Cook & stir until smooth. Pour in milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Stir in mustard & Colby. Continue to cook stirring occasionally until cheese is melted. Remove from heat & stir in ham & pasta. Pour into a baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake 25 minutes or until bubbly & golden.

Recipe adapted from JuliesEatsandTreats.com