BAKED RIGATONI WITH HAM AND FOUR CHEESES

Serves: 6

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BAKED RIGATONI WITH HAM AND FOUR CHEESES

Ready in: 50 MinTotal time: 50 Min

This recipe is reminiscent of a family favorite from a casual Italian restaurant we loved! It’s the ultimate comfort food and can be prepared using the leftover ham and cheeses in your fridge.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dry seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 6 ounces of cooked ham, diced
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces shredded provolone cheese
• 4 ounces shredded fontina cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt & freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toss well. Set aside.
3. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain well. Set aside and keep warm.
4. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the flour and stir until smooth. Cook the roux for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Add the ham and cheeses, stirring until the cheeses melt. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a buttered 2-quart baking dish. Cover and bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover the pasta and sprinkle the top with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake for 5 minutes more or until golden.

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