Thursday, March 19, 2009

Ham And Shells Casserole

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!?

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18 comments:

  1. Geez...When is Easter? Haven't even thought about it. Hoping my mom serves something then I don't have to think about it! :)

    The casserole looks YUM! I love casserole!

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  2. Mmmmm. That sounds yummy!

    My 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.

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  3. This looks good I am always looking for some new and tasty recipes!

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  4. This looks really good, what kind of ham did you use, and yes Ali I think I always have additional questions for you...LOL!

    We are going to be in the FL Keys for part of spring break and Easter, so we're going out to eat!

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  5. 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.

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  6. that looks and sounds great! Pasta is one of my favorite things! It makes me happy!!!

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  7. That 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.

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  8. oh yumm you always make me hungry! be sure to enter the contest at my site!

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  9. Ooooo, 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!

    omg I'm so hungry now.

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  10. I need to move in with you! You always are cooking fabulous food.

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  11. Mmmmm...yummy! And your pic is fine. Thanks for dropping by my blog for a little "ME" time.

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  12. That's so yummy. I will definately try that one !

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  13. Hi friend.. Interesting post.. Nice blog work.. keep it up..
    will drop by your site often.. Do find time to visit my blog and post your comments..
    Have a great day.. Cheers!!!

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  14. Promise me you will stop using white sauce! Ack!!! You are totally turning my stomach!!!!

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  15. That looks delicious- and the picture is far better than you give yourself credit for! I think I'll try this next week. :)

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  16. Okay that sounds YUM! And there's nothing wrong with that pic, girl! Made My mouth water!

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  17. are you kidding? i think this looks fantastic!

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  18. Isn'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!

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Thanks for commenting!