Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s a delightful mashup of two amazing pasta dishes: the classic ham and tomato bake and the viral 6-cheese roasted tomato pasta. This Ham and 6-Cheese Roasted Tomato Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed hit at your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of roasted tomatoes, savory ham, and a blend of six cheeses creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheeses to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 oz pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz ham, cubed
- 6 medium tomatoes, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes2
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning2
- ½ cup pesto, store-bought or homemade2
- 2 ounces cream cheese1
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled1
- ¼ cup Gruyere cheese, shredded1
- ¼ cup white cheddar cheese, shredded1
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded12
- ¼ cup heavy cream1
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese2
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese12
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish1
- Parsley, for garnish1
- Salt and pepper, to taste1
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside2.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant2.
- Add Ham and Tomatoes: Add the cubed ham to the skillet and sauté for about a minute. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, diced fresh tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes2.
- Combine and Transfer: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and ricotta cheese to the skillet. Combine everything thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish2.
- Add the 6-Cheese Goodness: In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, feta, Gruyere, white cheddar, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Do not mix! Create wells in the pasta mixture and add cheese mixture into it1.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly2.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!1
Tips for Customization
- Add Veggies: Toss in some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a little heat4.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a smoky Gouda.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the finished dish for a burst of freshness3.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Pair with a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
- This pasta bake is also great for potlucks and gatherings.
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- Can I freeze this pasta bake? Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
- What if I don’t have all six cheeses? No problem! Use whatever cheese you have on hand, or stick to the classic mozzarella and Parmesan combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Fat: 20-25g
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
