I know, this isn't the greatest picture in the world, but it tastes better than it looks. I have the worst luck photographing pasta--I just can't seem to make it look appetizing. But it is. Trust me. The carmelized onions, the rosemary, and the smokiness of the ham give this dish a lot of flavor. You want to know another reason why I like this dish? Because it's a casserole and casseroles can feed a lot of people. And it usually can be made ahead. That's why. Perfect for Easter coming up.
Ham and Shells Casserole (from Taste of Home magazine)
1 pkg (16 oz) medium pasta shells
3 large onions, halved and sliced (I used 2)
1 TBS olive oil
1 pkg (9 oz) fresh spinach, torn (I used a pkg of baby spinach)
1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp pepper
3 1/2 cups milk
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup (4 oz) crumbled goat cheese (I used feta)
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cook pasta according to pkg directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook and stir onions in oil for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Add spinach and rosemary; cook 1-2 minutes longer or until spinach is wilted.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in ricotta and goat cheeses until blended.
Drain pasta; place in a large bowl. Add the ham, onion mixture and sauce; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with Parm. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
And for the 2 people who's made it this far, what are you serving for Easter dinner!?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Ham And Shells Casserole
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Geez...When is Easter? Haven't even thought about it. Hoping my mom serves something then I don't have to think about it! :)
ReplyDeleteThe casserole looks YUM! I love casserole!
Mmmmm. That sounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteMy ILs always make Easter lunch/dinner when we're here in PA (when we're in TX w/ my family, my grandmother does), so I won't be making anything! LOL.
This looks good I am always looking for some new and tasty recipes!
ReplyDeleteThis looks really good, what kind of ham did you use, and yes Ali I think I always have additional questions for you...LOL!
ReplyDeleteWe are going to be in the FL Keys for part of spring break and Easter, so we're going out to eat!
It is also hard to make meat look as appetizing as it tastes. Chicken breasts, Roasts, whatever it is is always ends up not looking as good as I'd like.
ReplyDeletethat looks and sounds great! Pasta is one of my favorite things! It makes me happy!!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks delicious - minus the ham of course. We don't eat pork in my household but I am trying to think of a good substitute.
ReplyDeleteoh yumm you always make me hungry! be sure to enter the contest at my site!
ReplyDeleteOoooo, that was a pretty good pic, looks very yummy to me. And it's something that even I CAN make! I'm printing this one off. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteomg I'm so hungry now.
I need to move in with you! You always are cooking fabulous food.
ReplyDeleteMmmmm...yummy! And your pic is fine. Thanks for dropping by my blog for a little "ME" time.
ReplyDeleteThat's so yummy. I will definately try that one !
ReplyDeleteHi friend.. Interesting post.. Nice blog work.. keep it up..
ReplyDeletewill drop by your site often.. Do find time to visit my blog and post your comments..
Have a great day.. Cheers!!!
Promise me you will stop using white sauce! Ack!!! You are totally turning my stomach!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks delicious- and the picture is far better than you give yourself credit for! I think I'll try this next week. :)
ReplyDeleteOkay that sounds YUM! And there's nothing wrong with that pic, girl! Made My mouth water!
ReplyDeleteare you kidding? i think this looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Taste of Home amazing? I live for the recipes I get out of there. And now that you've posted one with goat cheese and carmelized onion...well, I'm in!
ReplyDelete